What does the Bible say about money lending?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible permits lending but commands God’s people to do so with mercy, fairness, and freedom from greed, especially toward the poor and needy. Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37, and Deuteronomy 23:19 forbid exploiting needy fellow Israelites through interest. Proverbs 22:7 warns that debt can bring people into bondage, while Psalm 37:21 commends righteous generosity and faithful repayment. Jesus calls His disciples to give and lend without calculating worldly return, trusting their Father’s reward (Luke 6:34-35; Matthew 5:42). Romans 13:8 urges believers to avoid remaining indebted except in the continuing obligation of love. Lending, therefore, should reflect God’s gracious character, relieving need rather than profiting from another’s distress.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
- 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:
- 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.
- Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, But the righteous give generously.
- 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.
- Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- 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.
- Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
- Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
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