When it comes to money matters, the Bible has a lot to say. Charging interest is no exception. In the simplest terms, the Bible generally discourages it, especially among the poor or within the community of believers. But it’s not just a straightforward ‘no’. The Bible’s approach is more about compassion and fairness than outright prohibition.
Curious about how the ancient texts tackle modern financial concepts? Stick around. The Bible’s take on charging interest might surprise you.
What Does the Bible Say About Charging Interest?
Money and morals. They’ve been intertwined for centuries. The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and guidance, dives deep into this relationship. When it comes to charging interest, the Bible’s stance is both practical and ethical.
Let’s start with the Old Testament. It’s pretty clear on one thing: charging interest to the poor is a no-go. The idea was to protect the most vulnerable in society. Lending was seen as a form of help, not a business transaction. But when it comes to lending outside your community or to the wealthy, the rules were less stringent.
Then comes Jesus in the New Testament. He takes it a step further. Jesus’ teachings revolve around love, generosity, and forgiveness. His parables often suggest that financial gain should not come at the cost of someone else’s suffering. He didn’t explicitly mention interest rates, but his message was clear: our financial dealings should reflect our values.
Now, what does this mean for us today? It’s not just about following rules. It’s about understanding the spirit behind them. The Bible encourages us to be fair, to help rather than exploit, and to consider the impact of our financial decisions on others. In a world driven by profit, these ancient words offer a refreshing perspective on money and morality.
So, what’s God’s view on charging interest? It’s not black and white. It’s not just about being allowed or not. It’s about understanding the heart of the matter. The Bible urges us to look beyond profit, to see the human face behind every transaction. And in a world where money talks, maybe it’s time we started listening to these timeless teachings.
Bible Verses 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 makes it clear: charging interest to the poor is not just a financial decision, it’s a moral one.
- Leviticus 25:35-37 – “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. 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.” Here, the emphasis is on supporting each other as a community. It’s about lifting each other up, not profiting from someone’s hardship.
- 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. To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge 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.” This passage shows a distinction between community members and outsiders. The focus is on building a supportive community where people are not burdened by debt.
- 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 Psalm ties ethical financial practices to stability 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 suggests that unjust gains will eventually benefit the just causes. It’s a reminder that wealth gained through harsh means doesn’t bring lasting success.
- Nehemiah 5:7, 10 – “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… Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest.” Nehemiah confronts the practice of charging interest within the community, advocating for fairness and compassion.
- Ezekiel 18:13 – “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.” This is a stark warning against exploiting others financially. It shows how seriously the Bible views the act of charging high interest.
- 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’ teaching here goes beyond the Old Testament laws. He encourages a radical generosity, lending without expecting anything in return, mirroring the unconditional love and kindness of God.
- Matthew 25:27 – “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.” This verse is from the Parable of the Talents. While it doesn’t directly address the morality of charging interest, it implies that earning interest is not inherently wrong. The focus is more on the responsible and productive use of resources entrusted to us.
- James 2:15-16 – “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” While this verse does not specifically mention interest, it speaks to the broader biblical theme of compassion and active help. It underscores the principle that our financial dealings, including lending, should be guided by empathy and a desire to genuinely assist others, rather than merely seeking personal gain.
These verses paint a picture of a financial ethic grounded in community, compassion, and fairness. They challenge us to rethink our approach to money and to consider the impact of our financial decisions on those around us. In a world where financial transactions are often impersonal, these ancient teachings remind us of the value of human connection and moral integrity in our financial dealings.
