Charity Saves On One Condition - Rabbi Zamir Cohen

The verse says, "Charity saves from death." When a harsh decree stands over a person, even if he is unaware of it, and he gives charity, that charity can save him from death. But King Solomon teaches that one must know there is a condition to giving. One must know how to give. And this rule applies not only to charity, but also to marriage, to every form of giving, whether through money, through help, or through any act of kindness. Let us read Solomon's words. "The ransom of a man's life is his wealth, but the poor hears no rebuke." Meaning, a person's wealth can serve as a ransom for his soul. If there is a harsh decree against him, and he gives charity from his money, it is as if he has given a ransom for his life, and through that act of giving, the decree is nullified. However, Solomon adds, "Know that this only holds true when the poor person, the one you help, does not hear rebuke. You did not talk down to him. You did not insult him."