EXOD685 "Do not act with him as a creditor" [this verse] -- the lender must not afflict the borrower, and he must not pass before the borrower knowing that he has nothing to pay him with (Bava Metzia 75b), for he causes him suffering thereby. We have been exhorted to remove the trait of cruelty from our souls, as it is written [Shemos 22:21): "Do not afflict any widow or orphan," and (Vayikra 25:17): "Let one man not afflict his friend, but fear Hashem." One must also return the poor man's pledge, as it is written (Shemos 22:25): "If you take the poor man's garment in pledge, return it to him before the sun goes down," after which it is stated (ibid.:26): And it shall be, if he cries out to me, that I will hear him, for I am merciful," and (ibid.:20): "and do not afflict or oppress a stranger."