יחזקאל, פרק י״ח, פסוק ט״ז

True moral and social integrity requires a balance of avoiding harm and actively doing good. An upright person stays far away from economic exploitation and theft. Beyond simply doing no harm, this individual engages in practical acts of kindness, such as providing food for the hungry and giving clothing to those who have nothing.

A key measure of this financial fairness involves how one handles loans and collateral. In general, an honest person never takes a financial pledge from another person unlawfully [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Taking this standard of care a step further, proper conduct means a lender must not withhold a pledged item when the borrower actually needs it. For instance, if a poor person gives an essential item as collateral, the lender ensures it is returned before sunset so the borrower is not left without basic necessities overnight [רד"ק, מצודת דוד].