What does the Bible say about lending money?
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The Bible teaches that lending should reflect God’s mercy, justice, and generosity, especially toward those in need, rather than becoming a means of exploiting them. Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37 forbid taking interest from impoverished fellow Israelites, while Deuteronomy 23:19-20 guards covenant life against profiteering within the community. Jesus presses the principle further, calling His disciples to give freely and lend without expecting repayment, trusting the Father’s reward (Luke 6:34-38; Matthew 5:42). Scripture also warns that debt can place borrowers under another’s power (Proverbs 22:7). Yet lending to the poor is portrayed as service rendered to the Lord Himself (Proverbs 19:17), calling believers to compassionate wisdom.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Luke 6:34-38
[34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful. [37] Don't judge, And you won't be judged. Don't condemn, And you won't be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free. [38] "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."
- 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.
- Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
- 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.
- Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, But the righteous give generously.
- Luke 6:34-35
[34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
- 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.
- Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
- Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
- 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:
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