The Bible addresses the topic of borrowing money with interest in a manner that provides believers with insights into ethical and practical considerations. In its teachings, the focus lies on principles of compassion, fairness, and responsible stewardship.
The act of borrowing money with interest raises questions about justice and compassion. The Bible emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and love, discouraging actions that exploit the vulnerable. When engaging in financial transactions involving interest, believers are encouraged to ensure that the terms are reasonable and do not lead to undue hardship for the borrower.
Additionally, responsible stewardship is a recurring theme in the Bible. Followers are encouraged to manage their resources wisely and avoid excessive debt that can hinder their ability to fulfill their obligations and provide for their families. Borrowing with wisdom means carefully considering the necessity and potential outcomes of the loan, taking into account the long-term impact on financial well-being.
Believers are also guided to prioritize relationships over financial gain. This means that even in the realm of borrowing and lending, maintaining healthy relationships and fostering a sense of community take precedence over profiting from another’s needs. The Bible encourages lending with generosity and without expecting excessive returns, aligning with the values of compassion and selflessness.
Exodus 22:25
“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”
Deuteronomy 28:12
“The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow”
Deuteronomy 28:44
“He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail”
Psalm 15:5
“He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved”
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth”
Psalm 37:26
“He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed”
Proverbs 11:15
“He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure”
Proverbs 17:18
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend”
Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender”
Proverbs 28:8
“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor”
Proverbs 28:27
“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse”
Proverbs 31:9
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy”
Ecclesiastes 5:5
“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay”
Ezekiel 18:8
“He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man”
Ezekiel 18:13
“Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him”
Ezekiel 18:17
“That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live”
Ezekiel 22:12
“In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord God”
Matthew 5:42
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away”
Matthew 25:27
“Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury”
Luke 14:14
“And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just”
Romans 13:8
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law”
2 Corinthians 8:14
“But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality”
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver”
Philippians 4:15
“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only”
