Preface – 13

Another positive commandment that one is likely to violate by refraining to give a loan is the commandment of: Show them the path they must take (Shemos 18:20), which the Sages teach refers to doing acts of kindness. Since Scripture writes “the path,” using the definite article ה prefix, yet it does not specify which path this is, it is likely referring to the well-beaten path which our first forefather, Avraham, tread upon – and his whole life revolved around the attribute of chessed-kindness. Thus, the phrase, Show them the path they must take encompasses all aspects of kindness that exist between people – including lending money.