Netivot Olam, Introduction to Netivot Olam

Regarding the Book of Proverbs (12), on the subject of tzedakah, life, and the path to death: Solomon, peace be upon him, wished to convey that when one is engaged in tzedakah, that person is infused with life, because the essence of tzedakah is to channel life into those stricken with poverty–to infuse them with life–and just as the person giving tzedakah receives life, so too do the poor, who are worthy of sustenance. Solomon said, too, that on the path to death–that is, when one walks on such a path without deviating from it, veering neither right nor left–death will not greet a man at all [if the path is properly followed]. And as far as what Solomon said regarding tzedakah and life, he spoke similarly on the matter of death. For everything is but one thing. For each remembers the taste. He said that one engaged in tzedakah–which is the infusion of life–will, in turn, be infused with life, and that regarding death, one who does not depart from the path of righteousness will not meet his death.