“You shall not charge interest to your brother, interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest.” – Deuteronomy 23:19
Bible Verses About Paying Interest
God’s Instructions on Lending
As we explore the topic of paying interest, we find that God has provided clear instructions on how we should lend to one another. In the Bible, we are called to lend without expecting anything in return. This teaching is rooted in love and compassion, emphasizing the need for generosity in our dealings with others. It is a reminder that our relationships with one another should be grounded in kindness and service rather than profit. By lending freely, we cultivate an environment of trust and support, aligning our actions with God’s desires for how we treat each other.
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people who are needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge no interest.” – Exodus 22:25
Leviticus 25:35-37
“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.” – Leviticus 25:35-37
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need.” – Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Psalms 37:26
“They are ever generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” – Psalms 37:26
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
Love Your Neighbor in Financial Matters
When we think about paying interest, it is essential to consider how we interact financially with our neighbors. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, which should influence how we manage our debts and lend to others. Our approach should reflect fairness, and kindness, recognizing that our financial dealings are not just transactions, but opportunities to extend grace and love. By putting our neighbor’s needs first, we align ourselves with God’s principles of generosity and support.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:39
Luke 6:34-35
“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
Luke 10:34-35
“He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'” – Luke 10:34-35
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8
Galatians 6:10
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10
The Dangers of Charging Interest
While it may seem acceptable to gain through charging interest, we are warned about the potential downfall that can arise from such practices. Money can wield a dangerous influence, leading to exploitation and hardship. The Bible teaches us to be mindful of this and to understand that pursuing profit at the expense of another’s well-being is against God’s will. It serves as a gentle reminder that true wealth lies not in material gain but in community and support for one another.
Proverbs 1:19
“Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.” – Proverbs 1:19
Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” – Proverbs 11:1
Jeremiah 22:13
“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages.” – Jeremiah 22:13
Ezekiel 18:8
“He does not lend at interest or take any profit; he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man.” – Ezekiel 18:8
Ezekiel 22:12
“In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; and you have forgotten me, declares the Lord God.” – Ezekiel 22:12
The Blessings of Generosity
When we give of ourselves freely, without the desire for personal gain, we open the door to the blessings God has in store for us. Generosity, especially in lending without interest, reflects God’s love for us and strengthens our relationships with others. By committing to acts of kindness and compassion, we become instruments of God’s love, allowing us to receive even more blessings in return. This cycle of generosity enriches our lives, reinforcing our faith and community ties.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Psalms 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.” – Psalms 112:5
Proverbs 21:26
“All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.” – Proverbs 21:26
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Forgiveness and Debt
When it comes to paying interest and debts, we should also reflect on the notion of forgiveness. Just as we are forgiven by God, we are called to extend that same grace to others in our financial relationships. This means understanding and empathizing with those who may struggle to repay what they owe. Encouraging a culture of forgiveness can transform how we interact with our neighbors, allowing us to create a more supportive community. We should strive to cultivate grace and understanding, treating others as we wish to be treated.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
Matthew 18:27
“And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.” – Matthew 18:27
Luke 7:42
“When they could not pay, he canceled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” – Luke 7:42
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Wealth and Responsibility
As we delve into the topic of paying interest, it’s crucial to remember that wealth comes with responsibilities. God entrusts us with resources, and our charge is to manage them wisely and with integrity. Taking advantage of others by charging interest contradicts the very principle of stewardship. Instead, we should aim to utilize our resources to uplift others and care for the needs of our community. By doing so, we honor God’s calling for our lives and embody the spirit of generosity.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Luke 16:10
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” – Luke 16:10
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Final Thoughts
Paying interest according to the Bible carries significant wisdom. We learn that it is vital to treat others with love and respect, particularly in financial matters. God encourages us to lend generously, without seeking personal gain. Being mindful of our responsibilities as stewards of the resources given to us is essential. By making decisions rooted in grace and compassion, we embrace a lifestyle that reflects God’s love.
In embracing the call to forgive debts, we open the door for richer relationships within our communities. When we choose to act generously, we pave the way for blessings that go beyond finances. May we focus on love and support in all our dealings, ensuring that our financial choices uplift those around us.
If you are looking for further guidance on finances, consider exploring topics such as paying debt or cheating with money. They can provide even more insights into how we should manage our finances in alignment with God’s word.