In the KJV Bible, usury refers to the practice of charging excessive interest on loans. It is condemned in passages such as Exodus 22:25 and Deuteronomy 23:19-20, where lending to the poor without interest is encouraged.
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 Definition in the KJV Bible
The concept of usury in the KJV Bible carries significant moral implications, rooted deeply in the principles of compassion, justice, and community welfare. In Exodus 22:25, the scripture states, “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.” This highlights a clear directive against exploiting the financially vulnerable, establishing a standard for ethical behavior in lending practices. In Deuteronomy 23:19-20, the differentiation between lending to foreign nations versus one’s own people further underscores that God’s people are called to uphold a sense of communal responsibility, urging that lending should not enrich the lender at the expense of the borrower’s dire circumstances.
The broader meaning of usury extends beyond mere financial transactions; it embodies the biblical ethos of love and care for one’s neighbor. By prohibiting usury, scripture promotes a societal structure where the rich support the poor, and the community thrives in mutual aid rather than exploitation. This notion reflects a deeper theological principle that underscores God’s desire for His people to embody justice and mercy, reminding us that relationships—whether personal or economic—are meant to reflect the character of God, which is fundamentally generous and caring. Thus, usury serves not only as a warning against greed but also as a call to mutual support and empathy among the community of believers.
The biblical view on usury also emphasizes the importance of equitable relationships rooted in ethical treatment and integrity. In Proverbs 28:8, we see a clear connection between financial practices and moral consequences: “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” This verse illustrates the inherent dangers of exploiting others for financial gain, positing that ill-gotten wealth will ultimately benefit those who have compassion for the less fortunate. The warning indicates an understanding that usurious behavior not only harms the impoverished but can also lead to a cycle of injustice that affects the entire community.
Moreover, the prophetic literature in the Bible frequently rebukes the practice of usury as a symbol of societal decay and moral failure. For instance, in Ezekiel 18:8, the scripture notes a righteous person as one who “hath not given forth upon usury,” thereby marking financial integrity as a key characteristic of true righteousness. The prophets often call out injustices, underscoring that the practice of usury diminishes social trust and perpetuates inequality. This perspective reaffirms the biblical mandate for respect and fairness in economic dealings, urging believers to ensure that their fiscal practices harmony with the principles of love, justice, and community solidarity. Thus, usury is not merely a financial issue but a profound reflection of one’s spiritual condition and commitment to upholding the values of God’s kingdom.
Ethical Considerations of Lending
In the context of the Bible, usury often refers to the practice of charging excessive interest on loans. This practice raises ethical concerns about fairness and justice in financial dealings. The biblical perspective emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity, particularly towards the poor and vulnerable. Charging exorbitant interest can lead to exploitation and deepen the financial struggles of those in need, which is contrary to the biblical call for love and support within the community.
Social Justice and Economic Equity
Usury also highlights broader themes of social justice and economic equity in biblical teachings. The scriptures advocate for a society where resources are shared and where the wealthy do not take advantage of the less fortunate. The prohibition against usury serves as a reminder of the responsibility that individuals and communities have to ensure that economic practices promote the well-being of all members of society, rather than perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Spiritual Implications of Financial Practices
Furthermore, the concept of usury in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of one’s spiritual state and relationship with God. Engaging in usurious practices may indicate a lack of trust in God’s provision and a prioritization of material gain over ethical conduct. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek righteousness in all aspects of life, including financial transactions, suggesting that one’s approach to lending and borrowing can have spiritual ramifications and affect one’s standing before God.
How to Embrace Biblical Principles in Financial Stewardship
Embracing biblical principles in financial stewardship is a transformative journey that invites us to view our resources through the lens of faith and gratitude. Start by recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, as Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” This perspective shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship, encouraging us to manage our finances with intentionality and purpose. Create a budget that reflects your values, prioritizing giving, saving, and responsible spending. Consider tithing as a joyful act of worship, not just an obligation, and seek to support your church and those in need. Remember to practice contentment, as 1 Timothy 6:6-10 teaches us that godliness with contentment is great gain. By aligning your financial decisions with biblical teachings, you not only honor God but also cultivate a life of peace and generosity that can inspire others on their own journeys.
Bible References to Usury in KJV:
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 18:17-18: 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.
18 As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what was not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity.
Ezekiel 22:12-13: 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.
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.