מדרש על משלי 31:26

Our Rabbis were taught: "In three respects is loving kindness greater than charity: Charity is done at the mere sacrifice of money, while loving kindness is performed both with one's money and with one's person; charity is only for the poor, while loving kindness is for both the living and the dead." R. Elazar said: "One who does charity and justice is as if he filled the whole world with kindness; as it is said (Ps. 33, 50) He loveth righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord. You might then say that every one who desires [to do charity] is given the opportunity [to do real charity]; it is therefore said (Ib. 36, 8) How precious is Thy kindness O Lord! One may think that even a man who fears God is [given the opportunity]. It is therefore said (Ib. 103, 17) But the kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting over those that fear Him. Again said R. Elazar: "What is the meaning of the passage (Prov. 31, 26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue? Are there then two sets of laws, one of kindness, and one of unkindness? But this means that, if one studies law for its own sake, it becomes a law of kindness; but if one studies the law for his own interest, it becomes a law of unkindness." According to others: "If he studies the law to teach others, it becomes a law of kindness; but if he studies it for himself, it becomes a law of unkindness."