“If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would.” – Exodus 22:25
Bible Verses About Usury
The Call to Generosity
We are called to be generous to those in need, and part of that is understanding the impact of usury. It is easy to view lending as a business transaction where profits are prioritized, but the Bible teaches us differently. God wants us to lend without expecting anything in return. This spirit of generosity brings glory to God and is a testament to our character as His followers. When we see someone struggling financially, we should open our hands and help them without the expectation of gaining anything back. Our actions reflect our heart, and when we act generously, we show God’s love.
Deuteronomy 15:7
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.” – Deuteronomy 15:7
Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” – Luke 6:34-35
Psalm 37:26
“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” – Psalm 37:26
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” – Matthew 5:42
The Danger of Usury
Usury often comes with high-interest rates that can trap individuals in a never-ending cycle of debt. We know that God calls us to be fair and just in our dealings, but usury contradicts that principle. The Bible warns us against exploiting those who are vulnerable. It is not just about money; it relates to our character and how we treat others. By avoiding usury, we show our commitment to being instruments of peace and justice in our communities. Our focus should be on helping others break free from the burden of debt instead of adding to their struggles.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever multiplies wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” – Proverbs 28:8
Leviticus 25:36
“Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you.” – Leviticus 25:36
Ezekiel 18:13
“He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death, and his blood will be on his own head.” – Ezekiel 18:13
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would.” – Exodus 22:25
Nehemiah 5:7
“I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them.” – Nehemiah 5:7
The Importance of Fairness
Living a life in adherence to God’s word means striving for fairness in all areas of life, including finances. When we engage in lending practices that are fair, we are not just adhering to God’s commands; we are also setting an example for those around us. We must treat others as we wish to be treated and ensure that our actions reflect fairness and not exploitation. By rejecting usury, we engage in relationships built on trust, respect, and compassion that foster a supportive community. Our commitment to fairness helps build a stronger, kinder society.
Deuteronomy 24:10-11
“When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into their house to get what is offered to you as a pledge. Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you.” – Deuteronomy 24:10-11
Proverbs 22:22-23
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.” – Proverbs 22:22-23
Proverbs 11:1
“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” – Proverbs 11:1
Isaiah 10:1-2
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people.” – Isaiah 10:1-2
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
The Principle of Love
Love is at the heart of our faith and should guide our actions in lending. When we lend, the motivation shouldn’t just be about the transaction but rather the relational aspect. Usury often lacks love because it imposes burdens on those who are already struggling. We should diligently focus on helping others rather than making a profit off their necessity. Each act of kindness reflects Christ’s love, and we must remind ourselves that as recipients of God’s grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others through compassionate lending practices.
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:15-16
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Our Responsibility to One Another
As part of the body of Christ, we share a responsibility toward one another, especially in our lending practices. We are not isolated individuals but part of a community built on mutual support and care. This means we need to be vigilant against usury in our circles; we should hold each other accountable to ensure that we practice loving and fair lending. Our examples resonate with others, encouraging them to act similarly. When we commit to looking out for each other’s well-being, we strengthen the bonds of unity within the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
“So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
God’s Justice
Ultimately, usury runs contrary to God’s justice. He desires that we treat others justly and with compassion. We must recognize that our actions impact the lives of others and that God keeps a close eye on how we conduct our financial dealings. By resisting the temptation of usury and standing up for justice, we align ourselves with God’s purpose. Our faith calls us to advocate for justice and the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable in society. We can confidently trust that God honors our commitment to fairness.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.” – Jeremiah 22:3
Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” – Zechariah 7:9
Acts 10:34
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism'” – Acts 10:34
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on usury reveals the heart of our faith. God emphasizes generosity, justice, and love in our relationships with others. We are called not to exploit those in need but instead, to act as vessels of God’s mercy and care. By avoiding usury, we practice fairness and build a supportive community that reflects God’s love. As we lend and give, let’s do so out of compassion and a desire to see others succeed rather than to profit from their hardships.
By looking to the verses above, we can see that lending is more than a transaction; it serves as an opportunity to embody Christ’s love. It encourages us to hold each other accountable in our community, so we can all prosper together. We should constantly evaluate our practices and ensure they align with biblical principles for lending.
As we continue to explore different aspects of our faith, let’s remember these foundational teachings about usury and apply them in our lives. If you feel led, check out more on borrowing money and how we can help those experiencing poverty and injustice.