Culture: Benjamin’s conclusion focuses simultaneously on the selfish withholding of substance and also on the attitude that creates the social division. While Benjamin does not apparently see the economic disparity per se as a problem, he is obviously concerned with the judgmental attitudes that result. It is the social division into “betters” and “lessers” on the basis of substance against which he preaches.
Thus, if Benjamin’s people judge someone to be of lower status and therefore unworthy of assistance, so will Yahweh, who is of much higher status, judge them as unworthy. This is precisely the sentiment expressed in Matthew 7:2: “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”