Charging interest is discussed in the Bible, especially regarding fairness and generosity. Today, we’ll uncover how Scripture guides us in handling financial matters ethically.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Character Assassination
What Does The Bible Say About Charging Interest
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”
This verse highlights the principle of compassion and fairness in lending. It admonishes believers to avoid exploiting the financially vulnerable by charging excessive interest rates.
Charging interest or usury can lead to a cycle of debt and oppression, which goes against God’s desire for justice and compassion toward those in need.
Leviticus 25:36-37
“Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others over personal gain. Believers are urged to show godly fear by refraining from taking advantage of their brothers and sisters in times of need.
Instead of profiting from others’ hardships, God calls His people to offer help, support, and generosity, reflecting His own loving and selfless nature.
Psalm 15:5
“Who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
This verse highlights the integrity and righteousness that characterize a person of faith. It honors those who refrain from exploiting others, denouncing the practice of charging interest or taking bribes against the innocent.
Those who live with such ethical principles will find their foundation secure and their character unwavering, standing firm in their commitment to justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.”
This verse presents a contrast between the ungodly pursuit of amassing wealth through exploitative means and the righteous act of generosity towards the poor.
It suggests that the accumulation of wealth through charging interest or making excessive profits will ultimately benefit the generous and compassionate individual who uses their resources to uplift those in need.
Ezekiel 18:8
“He does not lend at interest or take any profit. Withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man.”
This verse describes a person who upholds justice and refrains from taking advantage of others for personal gain. It showcases the importance of fair lending practices, as well as the need for justice and impartiality in all areas of life.
By adhering to principles of equity and compassion, individuals demonstrate their commitment to God’s command to love their neighbors as themselves.
Nehemiah 5:7-11
“I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, ‘The exact thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.’ Then they said, ‘We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.’ And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised.”
This passage recounts Nehemiah’s intervention to address the injustices perpetrated against the poor and needy by those in positions of power. It highlights the importance of speaking out against exploitative lending practices and taking corrective action.
Nehemiah’s actions demonstrate the responsibility of believers to advocate for justice and fairness, even when faced with opposition or resistance from those in authority.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.”
This verse encourages believers to demonstrate generosity and care for the less fortunate. It suggests that acts of kindness and support towards the poor are seen as lending to the Lord Himself.
God promises to repay those who faithfully give to the needy, underscoring the principle that the measure of one’s wealth is not in accumulating for oneself but rather in sharing it with others.
Jeremiah 15:10
“Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.”
In this passage, Jeremiah expresses his distress at being perceived negatively and facing reproach from others. Despite his innocence in avoiding lending and borrowing, he experiences the scorn of people around him.
This verse reminds us that even when we choose to adhere to godly principles, there may be times when we face opposition or misunderstanding. However, we should remain steadfast and trust in God’s approval rather than seeking approval from others.
Psalm 37:26
“He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”
This verse portrays a righteous person who is characterized by their generosity and willingness to lend to others in need. By demonstrating such kindness, they also pass on a legacy of blessing to their children.
God desires that His people reflect His own generosity by being sources of blessing to those around them, contributing to a culture of generosity and compassion.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
Jesus teaches the radical concept of loving enemies and doing good without expecting anything in return. This includes lending without seeking personal gain or expecting repayment.
Such selfless acts of kindness demonstrate a likeness to the character of God, who shows His kindness even to those who may not appreciate or deserve it.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for others in their various states of need. He highlights acts of kindness such as providing food, drink, clothing, and companionship to the hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, and imprisoned.
These verses remind believers to view lending or giving without interest as a means of living out their faith by serving those in vulnerable situations.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20
“You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”
God’s command in this passage explicitly prohibits charging interest to fellow believers while allowing it when dealing with foreigners. The intention is to foster mutual care, support, and unity among God’s people.
By upholding this principle, believers open themselves up to God’s blessings, recognizing that obedience to His instructions leads to a flourishing community.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
This proverb extols the virtue of generosity toward the poor. It emphasizes that those who give to the needy will not lack, underlining the principle that God rewards and provides for those who are compassionate.
In contrast, those who refuse to acknowledge the needs of others or turn a blind eye to the plight of the poor will experience negative consequences.
Luke 14:12-14
“He said also to the man who had invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'”
Jesus teaches the value of hospitality and generosity toward those who cannot reciprocate. He encourages believers to extend kindness and hospitality to the marginalized and disadvantaged, rather than seeking only the approval and company of those who are socially prominent or capable of repayment.
This verse highlights the eternal reward that awaits those who manifest God’s love through selfless acts towards the less fortunate.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This proverb warns of the potential power dynamics and negative consequences that may arise from borrowing and repayment obligations. It highlights the vulnerability of borrowers who become ensnared in indebtedness.
Believers are encouraged to approach lending with care and compassion, mindful of the potential impact on the financial freedom and dignity of those seeking assistance.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
This verse exhorts believers to prioritize contentment over the relentless pursuit of wealth. It underscores the assurance that God’s presence and provision are sufficient and will never be withheld.
By rejecting the love of money and finding contentment in God, believers can escape the allure of exploitative practices like charging interest and instead embrace a life characterized by trust and reliance on the Lord.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”
This proverb contrasts the blessings that accompany faithfulness and integrity with the negative consequences that come from greed and a hasty pursuit of wealth.
Believers are encouraged to prioritize faithfulness to God’s principles over the desire for quick riches, understanding that true blessings come from aligning their lives with God’s perfect plan.
Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”
This verse celebrates the well-being of those who engage in generous and just dealings. By embodying these qualities, individuals position themselves to flourish and experience the blessing of God.
God calls believers to emulate His character by being generous, fair, and just in their interactions, knowing that their actions have a positive impact on both themselves and those around them.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
This proverb emphasizes the paradoxical nature of generosity. It highlights that those who give freely without holding back will experience increase rather than depletion, while those who hoard and refuse to give will suffer lack.
God’s economy operates on the principles of sowing and reaping, teaching believers the value of generosity and the blessings that flow from a heart willing to give.
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.”
This verse underscores the importance of giving willingly and with a joyful heart. It advises against giving out of compulsion or a sense of obligation but encourages believers to give according to their own convictions.
God delights in those who give cheerfully, recognizing that their generosity is a reflection of their love for Him and their desire to worship Him through their giving.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of loving one another as the primary obligation believers have towards others. It urges believers to avoid accruing debts, except the debt of love.
By prioritizing love for others, believers fulfill God’s law and reflect the selfless love of Christ, recognizing that relational and compassionate aspects of life are of greater significance than financial obligations.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
This verse draws a contrast between the wicked and the righteous. It portrays the wicked as borrowers who fail to fulfill their obligations, while the righteous exhibit generosity and willingly give.
Believers are encouraged to live out their faith by imitating the generosity of God, seeking opportunities to bless and support others, rather than exploiting or failing to repay what is owed.
Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
In these verses, Jesus cautions against seeking recognition or applause for acts of righteousness. He specifically addresses the practice of giving to the needy, urging believers to avoid ostentatious displays and instead prioritize humility and sincerity.
When believers give in secret, motivated by genuine compassion, their actions become expressions of devotion to God rather than seeking human praise. God, who sees what is done in secret, promises to reward such sacrificial giving.
Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
Jesus challenges believers to transcend societal norms by demonstrating a higher standard of love and generosity. He encourages lending with no expectation of repayment, revealing God’s heart for those who are ungrateful and even evil.
Through selfless acts of love and lending, believers reflect the character of their Heavenly Father and experience the immeasurable reward of being called children of the Most High God.