EXOD726 He who gives alms to a poor man with a hostile countenance and with his face averted to the ground, loses his merit and forfeits it, even if he gave us as much as a thousand gold coins. He should rather give with a friendly countenance and joyfully. He should commiserate with the recipient and his distress, as it is said, "If I have not wept for him that was in trouble, and if my soul grieved not for the needy?" (Job 30:25). You should also speak to him in prayerful and comforting words, as it is said, "And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy" (Job 29:13). If a poor man asks you for alms and you have nothing to give him, comfort him with words.