Usury in the Bible refers to the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, which is condemned in verses such as Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36-37. It emphasizes fairness and compassion in lending, particularly towards the poor and vulnerable, advocating for helping rather than exploiting those in need.
Scripture
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.
26 If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down,
27 for that is his only covering, it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
Usury in the Bible: Understanding Its Meaning
In the Bible, usury takes on significant moral and ethical dimensions, highlighting the importance of compassion and justice in economic dealings. The verses from Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:36-37 explicitly prohibit charging interest on loans made to the poor, framing such practices as a form of exploitation that goes against the core principles of community and care. For instance, Exodus 22:25 states, “If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not be like a moneylender; charge no interest.” This directive underscores the covenantal relationship that the Israelites are instructed to have with one another, where helping those in dire situations is paramount, rather than profiting from their misfortunes.
The broader implication of this stance against usury reflects on God’s character as a provider and protector of the marginalized, urging His people to emulate these qualities. It serves as a call to cultivate a society where resources are shared equitably, reinforcing the social fabric through acts of kindness and support. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where teachings like those found in Matthew 25:35-40 emphasize serving the least among us as a direct service to Christ Himself. Thus, understanding usury biblically involves not only an economic critique but also a holistic view of human relationships, advocating for stewardship and mutual aid rather than exploitation and greed. Through this lens, usury is not merely an economic term but a reflection of one’s ethical conduct and social responsibility towards others, particularly the vulnerable.
Another critical perspective on usury in the Bible can be found in the wisdom literature, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. Here, the ethical considerations surrounding lending practices are closely tied to concepts of righteousness and folly. Proverbs frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, suggesting that those who lend without expectation of interest or gain align themselves with wisdom and moral integrity. Proverbs 28:8 states, “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor gathers it for another who will be kind to the poor.” This stark warning illustrates that usury not only harms the disenfranchised but also leads to unforeseen consequences for the lender, thereby linking economic justice with personal spiritual maturity.
Additionally, the prophetic literature serves to amplify this theme further, where denunciations of usury often accompany calls for social justice and equity. The prophets reiterate that the Israelites’ failure to uphold ethical financial practices—such as charging interest to the needy—directly contributes to societal decay. For example, in Ezekiel 18:8-9, the Prophet speaks to the necessity of returning what is owed to the needy and living righteously, emphasizing the broader moral obligation to care for one’s neighbor. Here, the condemnation of usury becomes not merely economic advice but a profound ethical imperative that highlights the biblical vision of a community marked by generosity and mutual respect, where lending serves as a tool for uplifting rather than oppressing. This understanding invites a reexamination of personal and collective responsibilities surrounding wealth and resources, promoting a faith-based approach to financial relations that prioritizes community welfare over individual gain.
The Ethical Implications of Lending Practices
Understanding usury in the Bible highlights the ethical considerations surrounding lending and borrowing. The biblical texts emphasize the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized. This perspective encourages a moral framework where lending is not merely a transactional relationship but a reflection of one’s character and commitment to community welfare.
The Concept of Stewardship and Responsibility
Usury in the biblical context also relates to the broader theme of stewardship. The Bible teaches that wealth and resources are entrusted to individuals by God, and how one manages these resources reflects their understanding of divine responsibility. This notion of stewardship calls for a responsible approach to lending, where the lender is mindful of the impact their actions have on others, promoting a sense of accountability and ethical responsibility in financial matters.
The Call for Social Justice
The biblical stance on usury can be seen as a call for social justice. By prohibiting exploitative lending practices, the scriptures advocate for a society where economic systems are designed to protect the poor and ensure equitable treatment. This emphasis on justice serves as a reminder that financial practices should align with the values of love, mercy, and equity, fostering a community where all individuals can thrive without the burden of oppressive debt.
How to Honor God in Our Financial Relationships
Honoring God in our financial relationships is a beautiful way to reflect His love and integrity in our daily lives. It starts with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, which shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. When we engage in financial dealings, whether with friends, family, or even strangers, we should prioritize honesty and transparency, ensuring that our actions align with biblical principles. This means being fair in our transactions, avoiding deceit, and being generous when we can, as God calls us to share our blessings with others. Additionally, prayerfully considering our financial decisions and seeking God’s guidance can help us navigate complex situations with grace. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building relationships rooted in trust and love, reflecting the character of Christ in every financial interaction.
Bible References to Usury Explained:
Leviticus 25:35-37: 35 “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.
36 Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.
37 You shall not give him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20: 19 “You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest.
20 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.
Nehemiah 5:1-13: 1 Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers.
2 For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.”
3 There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.”
4 And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards.
5 Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.
6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.
7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them.
8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say.
9 So I said, “The 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?
10 I also said, “The 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?
11 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.”
12 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.
13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.
Psalm 15:1-5: 1 O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
3 He does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
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.
Proverbs 28:7-9: 7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
Ezekiel 18:5-9: 5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—
6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,
7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,
9 “if he walks in my statutes and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.”
Ezekiel 18:10-13: 10 “If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things”
11 “Though he says, ‘The Lord lives,’ yet they swear falsely.”
12 oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination,
13 lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.
Ezekiel 18:14-17: 14 “Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise:”
15 “He does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife,”
16 does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
17 withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules, and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father’s iniquity; he shall surely live.
Ezekiel 22:12-14: 12 In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord God.
13 Behold, I strike my hand at the dishonest gain that you have made, and at the blood that has been in your midst.
14 Can your courage endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.
Matthew 25:14-30: 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
17 So also he who had received the two talents made two talents more.
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’
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.’
22 And he also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
23 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.’
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Luke 6:34-35: 34 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.
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.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.