What does the Bible say about charging interest?
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The Bible forbids exploiting the poor through interest while recognizing that lending and financial stewardship may operate differently in ordinary commercial dealings. Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37 command Israelites not to charge interest to needy brothers, treating relief as an act of covenant love rather than a chance for profit. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 distinguishes loans within the covenant community from dealings with foreigners, and Psalm 15:5 praises the righteous person who does not profit at another's expense. Proverbs 28:8 warns that unjust gain through excessive interest will ultimately benefit the poor. Jesus' words in Matthew 25:27 commend faithful stewardship, not greedy oppression. Christians should lend generously, deal honestly, and seek their neighbor's good.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 22:25
"If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor; neither shall you charge him interest.
- Deuteronomy 23:19
You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest:
- Psalms 15:5
He who doesn't lend out his money for usury, Nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.
- Deuteronomy 23:19-20
[19] You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest: [20] to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.
- Proverbs 28:8
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
- Leviticus 25:35-37
[35] "'If your brother has become poor, and his hand can't support him among you; then you shall uphold him. As a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you. [36] Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God; that your brother may live among you. [37] You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.
- Matthew 25:27
You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest.
- Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
- Ezekiel 22:12
In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Lord Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 23:20
to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.
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