Tobias says: All the days of your life have the Lord in mind, and do not walk in the way of iniquity. From your substance give alms, and do not turn your face away from any poor person, lest the face of God be turned away from you. As you have, so do. Though it be little, from that very thing share, and do not fear. When you give alms, you lay up for yourself a good reward in the day of necessity, because almsgiving frees from death, and does not suffer its worker to go into darkness. It is a good gift for all who give it, because they do it before the most high God (Tob. IV). Solomon says: He who has mercy on the poor lends to God and shall never be in want; but he who turns away his eye from the poor shall languish in penury (Prov. XIX). By almsgiving and faith sins are purged.
For as water extinguishes fire, so almsgiving extinguishes sin (Prov. XV; Ecclus. III). Likewise Tobias: Son, when you have, do good with yourself and offer to God worthy oblations; remember that death does not delay; enclose almsgiving in the bosom of the poor, and this will free you from all evil. Likewise the psalm: Blessed is he who understands concerning the needy and the poor. Likewise: He has scattered, he has given to the poor; his justice remains unto eternity (Ps. CXI). The Lord says through the prophet: I desire mercy rather than sacrifice (Hos. VI). Likewise in the Gospel: Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Likewise: Whoever gives a cup of cold water in my name, his reward shall not perish. Likewise:
He who made that which is within, made also that which is without. Nevertheless give alms, and behold, all things are clean to you (Luke XI). The apostle Paul says: Let your abundance supply their want. He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly. He who sows in blessing shall also reap of blessing. John the evangelist says: He who has the substance of the world, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the charity of God abide in him (I John III)? Likewise: When you make a dinner or a supper, do not call friends or the rich, lest perhaps they invite you in turn, and there be a recompense for you; but call the needy, and you shall be blessed, since they have nothing wherewith to repay you, it shall be repaid to you at the resurrection of the just.
The apostle Paul says: Almsgiving, even if it be small, the will itself suffices if it be prompt; according to what one has, it will be acceptable to the Lord (II Cor. VIII).