Interest on loans is a topic the Bible addresses with care. Today, we’ll look at how Scripture guides us on financial practices that honor God and protect our relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving Someone Who Continues To Hurt You
What Does The Bible Say About Interest
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse reminds us that our ultimate allegiance should be to God and not to worldly interests such as money. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our devotion to God above all else.
By choosing to serve God wholeheartedly, we recognize that our true treasure lies in the kingdom of heaven and not in earthly wealth or possessions.
Proverbs 28:19
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”
This verse highlights the importance of diligence and focusing on fruitful endeavors rather than pursuing vain and worthless interests.
By investing our time and effort wisely in activities that bring forth good fruit, we can expect to reap the rewards of our labor and avoid the consequences of pursuing unprofitable pursuits.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
This verse cautions against the desire for wealth, as it can lead to various temptations and ultimately bring about ruin and destruction.
It emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts against the love of money, recognizing that it can easily become a stumbling block in our faith journey.
Luke 12:15
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'”
In this verse, Jesus warns against the trap of covetousness and the false belief that life’s value is determined by material possessions.
It serves as a reminder to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and the eternal treasures of heaven rather than being consumed by the accumulation of worldly goods.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
This verse encourages believers to cast their worries and concerns onto God through prayer, seeking His guidance and provision.
It reminds us that instead of being preoccupied with worldly interests that cause anxiety, we should place our trust in God’s faithfulness and rely on His help in all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”
This verse advises against an excessive pursuit of wealth and the potential dangers of becoming consumed by materialism.
It reminds us that earthly riches are temporary and fleeting, and encourages us to focus on pursuits of greater value, such as spiritual growth and seeking God’s kingdom.
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.'”
In this verse, believers are urged to guard against the love of money and instead find contentment in the assurance of God’s presence and faithfulness.
It serves as a reminder that true satisfaction and security are found in our relationship with God, rather than in the pursuit of worldly interests or possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”
This verse highlights the futility of placing one’s ultimate love and satisfaction in wealth and material possessions.
It offers a sobering reminder that no amount of money or worldly wealth can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart, as true fulfillment is found in our relationship with God.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse encourages believers to invest in heavenly treasures that are imperishable and cannot be stolen or destroyed.
It reminds us that our true heart’s desire should be directed towards eternal rewards rather than fleeting and temporary possessions of this world.
1 John 2:15-16
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
This verse warns against placing our affections on worldly interests and desires, which are contrary to the love of God.
It emphasizes the need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, recognizing that earthly pursuits can distract us from experiencing the fullness of His love and presence.
Luke 16:13
“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
In this verse, Jesus reiterates the impossibility of serving both God and money simultaneously.
It emphasizes that our allegiance should be solely to God, as divided loyalties between worldly interests and spiritual devotion ultimately lead to conflict and spiritual compromise.
Psalm 49:6-7
“Those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life.”
This verse challenges the notion that earthly wealth can provide ultimate security, reminding us that no amount of money can save or redeem a person’s soul.
It calls us to put our trust in God alone, recognizing His sovereignty over our lives and the limitations of material possessions.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the potential bondage that can result from financial indebtedness and the control that the lender holds over the borrower.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to be wise stewards of our resources and to avoid the pitfalls of excessive debt and financial dependency.
Mark 10:25
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
This verse highlights the spiritual challenges that can arise from the pursuit of wealth and the potential barriers it can create in our relationship with God.
It underscores the need for humility, surrender, and a proper perspective on worldly riches if we are to fully embrace and experience the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 11:28
“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”
This verse warns against placing our trust and confidence in material wealth, as it is ultimately unreliable and can lead to downfall and disappointment.
It encourages us to root our trust in God’s provision and promises, knowing that true prosperity comes from living righteously in alignment with His will.
James 4:13-15
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'”
This verse serves as a reminder of the uncertainty and brevity of life, urging us to approach our plans and pursuits with humility and reverence for God’s sovereignty.
It emphasizes the need to align our interests and ambitions with God’s will, acknowledging that our lives are ultimately in His hands.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to honor God with our finances and offerings, recognizing His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
It highlights the principle of giving back to God, trusting in His abundance and promises of blessing as we prioritize Him in our monetary decisions and stewardship.
1 Timothy 6:17
“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.”
This verse reminds those who possess wealth to guard against pride and arrogance, as well as placing their ultimate hope in material riches.
It encourages believers to instead place their trust and confidence in God, acknowledging His abundant provision and finding joy in the blessings He bestows upon us.
Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
In this verse, we are reminded that true wealth and prosperity come from God’s blessings, which bring joy and fulfillment without the accompanying sorrow that can arise from the pursuit of worldly interests.
It encourages us to seek God’s favor and blessings in our lives, recognizing that His provision exceeds anything the world can offer.
Luke 16:11
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”
This verse challenges us to be faithful stewards of the material resources entrusted to us, recognizing that our handling of earthly possessions reflects our readiness to receive the greater spiritual treasures God desires to bestow upon us.
It calls us to prioritize righteousness in our financial dealings and use our resources for the kingdom of God, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded in both this life and the life to come.
Matthew 25:21
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in the small things as a qualification for greater responsibilities and rewards in God’s kingdom.
It reminds us that our faithfulness in handling worldly interests, including finances, directly impacts our spiritual growth, opportunities for service, and participation in the eternal joy of our Lord.
Psalm 37:16-17
“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the true satisfaction and security found in righteousness versus the temporary wealth and power of the wicked.
It encourages us to value integrity and righteousness above material abundance, knowing that ultimately it is the Lord who upholds and sustains the righteous.