The mitzvah of extending loans is not limited to lending money but also to merchandise. A person who gives merchandise on credit fulfills the mitzvah of giving loans, and “the world is built on chessed-kindness.” And since it is common practice to give merchandise on credit to many people, it is not as challenging to do this mitzvah as giving cash loans, and so one can easily fulfill this great mitzvah, as it is written, If your brother becomes impoverished and his means falter… you shall support him (Vayikra 25:35). This mitzvah of supporting a person before he collapses financially is the greatest type of tzedakah. When giving the person the merchandise on credit to a poor person, give it to him at a lower price than the selling price, so that the poor man will be able to make a profit on it, and in this way he will be able to earn a living in a respectable manner. About this it is written, One who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor (Mishlei 21:21).
Nevertheless, it is proper to choose a line of business that will not require selling on credit, for our Sages said that it is better to earn less but have it in hand than to earn a lot on credit. Better dry bread with peace of mind, and the blessing of Hashem is what gives wealth – if in fact it was decreed that the person should be wealthy.
