The Bible addresses lending money, focusing on generosity, fairness, and compassion. It discourages charging interest, especially to the poor, and emphasizes helping others without expecting anything in return. The overarching principle is to lend with a spirit of kindness, reflecting God’s generosity and care.
Curious about the biblical principles of lending money? It’s an interesting mix of generosity, ethics, and compassion.
What Does the Bible Say About Lending Money?
Lending money is a topic that the Bible addresses with a particular focus on ethics, compassion, and generosity.
In the Old Testament, lending money, especially to the poor, is viewed as an act of kindness and generosity. The Law given to Moses included provisions for lending to those in need and restricted the charging of interest, particularly from fellow Israelites who were poor. This restriction was based on the principle of compassion and helping one’s neighbor without profit.
The idea of canceling debts every seventh year, known as the Year of Jubilee, also reflects the Bible’s approach to lending. This practice was meant to prevent long-term debt and poverty, ensuring that people wouldn’t be permanently burdened by what they owed.
Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament further reinforce the principle of generosity in lending. He encouraged giving to those who ask and lending without expecting anything back. This radical approach to lending was part of a broader ethic of loving one’s neighbor and treating others with kindness and generosity.
The Bible also warns against the misuse of lending as a tool of oppression or exploitation. Lenders are cautioned against using loans to control or harm the borrower. The emphasis is on lending as a form of aid and support, not as a means of profit or gaining power over others.
Moreover, the Bible promotes the principle of responsible borrowing. The borrower is encouraged to be diligent in repayment, honoring their commitments. This mutual responsibility ensures fairness and integrity in the lender-borrower relationship.
Overall, the Bible’s view on lending money is that it should be done with a spirit of generosity, fairness, and compassion. It encourages lending as a means of helping others, without seeking personal gain or profit, especially at the expense of the poor or vulnerable.
Bible Verses About Lending Money
- Exodus 22:25 – “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.”
- Leviticus 25:35-37 – “If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that your fellow Israelite may continue to live among you.”
- Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
- Psalm 15:5 – “Who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
- Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
- Luke 6:34-35 – “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
- Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
- Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
- Nehemiah 5:10 – “I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest!”
- Proverbs 28:8 – “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
- 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 highlights the righteousness of not exploiting others through lending practices, linking it to broader ethical behavior.
- Proverbs 3:27-28 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you.” This encourages prompt and generous assistance to those in need, relevant to the context of lending.
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Paul’s instruction to the wealthy includes a call to generosity, relevant in the context of lending.
- 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?” This verse challenges believers to provide practical help, not just words, a principle that can extend to lending.
- Luke 14:12-14 – “Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’” This teaching of Jesus on generosity towards those who cannot repay is also applicable to the attitude one should have while lending.
These verses collectively offer guidance on the biblical approach to lending money. They emphasize compassion, fairness, and generosity, particularly towards those in need. The Bible advises against exploiting others through lending and encourages a spirit of generosity and help, reflecting God’s own generosity towards us.