EXOD690 It is a positive commandment of the Torah to lend to the poor among our brothers, as it is said [this verse]. The Mechilta observes that all "if"s in the Torah express an option, except three, which introduce an obligation, and this is one of the three. The proof lies in the statement [Deuteronomy 15:8] "You shall surely lend to him," which is expressed as an imperative. This mitzvah is superior to charity, since here the poor is not put to shame by accepting gifts, and since here also his hand is strengthened; he is supported and protected from financial ruin. By such an act, the lender fulfills the mitzvah of the Torah (Leviticus 25:35): "And if your brother be waxen poor and his hand fail with you, you shall uphold him," so that he should not be ruined and become dependent on charity. This commandment is also fulfilled by giving loans to the rich for a certain period, when they are pressed for money, since chesed may be done both to rich and poor. The only difference is that the poor take priority, and for that reason scripture has made explicit mention of the poor and its reference to the mitzvah. If Scripture had not made us aware of our obligation, we would prefer to lend to the rich only, since one is likely to receive many favors in return, and, moreover, the rich person is a more reliable risk.