Deuteronomy 24:12

12 If he be a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge;

Deuteronomy 24:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 24:12

And if the man [be] poor
Which may be thought to be the case of everyone that gives pledges for a debt he owes, or a sum of money he borrows; yet there might be a difference: some might be so very destitute of goods and raiment in their houses, that whatever they parted with was distressing to them, and they could not well do without it:

thou shalt not sleep with his pledge;
nor keep it a night; but deliver it to him, before he went to bed, and laid himself down to sleep.

Deuteronomy 24:12 In-Context

10 When you do lend your neighbor any manner of loan, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge.

11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you do lend shall bring forth the pledge outside to you.

12 If he be a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge;

13 you shall surely restore to him the pledge when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment, and bless you: and it shall be righteousness to you before the LORD your God.

14 You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he be of your brothers, or of your sojourners who are in your land within your gates: