Miscellanies 2.18.84

At once those who were left, taking up boldly the contest for godliness, became masters of the enemy. “The beginning of wisdom,” then, is godliness, “and the understanding of the holy” is forethought, “and to know the law belongs to a good mind.” Those, then, who have supposed that the law produces a fear that is a passion are neither good at understanding nor have they truly understood the law. For “the fear of the Lord makes life; but the one who goes astray will suffer in toils that knowledge does not look upon.” Indeed Barnabas says mystically: “May God, who rules the whole world, give you too wisdom, understanding, knowledge, insight into his ordinances, patience. Be taught by God, then, seeking out what the Lord seeks from you, so that you may find it in the day of judgment.” Those who attain these things he called, in the way of knowledge, children of love and peace. Although much can be said about sharing and fellowship, it is enough to say only this: that the law forbids lending at interest to a brother (calling brother not only one born of the same parents, but also whoever is of the same race, of like mind, and has shared in the same Word), not thinking it right to collect interest on money, but to give to those in need with open hands and minds. For God is the creator of such grace; and the one who shares already receives worthy interest, the most precious things among men: gentleness, kindness, magnanimity, good report, and fame.