Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
Be careful not to have this selfish thought in your heart: 'The seventh year when all debts are forgiven is coming soon, so I won't lend anything to my poor neighbor.' Don't be stingy toward your needy brother and refuse to help him, or he will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
God is warning against being selfish with money or help just because you know debts will soon be forgiven, generosity shouldn't depend on whether you'll get paid back.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, God established the Sabbatical year every seventh year as a time for debt forgiveness, land rest, and provision for the poor, reflecting His laws given through Moses to promote economic equality and dependence on Him. This verse specifically warns the Israelites against harboring selfish thoughts and refusing to help their needy neighbors as the year of release approached, fearing they might not recover their loans. Such attitudes were considered wicked because they violated God's commands on compassion and could result in divine judgment.
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