The Torah in Parashat Re’eh (Debarim 15:7) warns that we must not respond stingily and indifferently to our fellow Jew in need: “Lo Te’ametz Et Lebabecha Ve’lo Tikpotz Et Yadecha Me’ahicha Ha’ebyon” – “Do not harden your heart and do not clench your first toward your brother the pauper.” We are to extend kindness and generosity to our fellow in need of financial help, rather than withhold charity from him.
The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah wants to distance us from the character trait of “Kilut” – miserliness – and “Sarut Ayin” – stinginess. The Torah urges us to engender the qualities of kindness and compassion, and so it forbids us from reacting apathetically to the plight of a pauper, and refusing to lend him the assistance he needs.
Several verses later (15:10), the Torah assures a person that he will be blessed by G-d for generously assisting the needy. A person should not be concerned about the financial sacrifice entailed in giving charity, the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, because we have been promised that charity is rewarded by G-d with financial blessing. G-d’s blessing, the Sefer Ha’hinuch emphasizes, is worth far more than any treasures a person can own, and so we should not hesitate to give charity, because this brings G-d’s blessing, which is more precious and valuable than anything in the world.