How can we apply Leviticus 25:37 in modern financial practices?

Leviticus 25:37—“You must not lend him silver with interest or sell him food for profit.”

Foundational principle

• God forbids taking advantage of someone in need. Lending is meant to relieve hardship, not create a new burden.

• The command flows from His own character: gracious, generous, protective of the vulnerable.

Personal finances

• Interest-free help: When relatives, friends, or fellow believers face genuine need, offer loans or gifts without adding interest or hidden fees (Exodus 22:25; Psalm 15:5).

• Timely forgiveness: If repayment becomes impossible, consider partial or full debt release—reflecting the Jubilee spirit (Leviticus 25:10; Matthew 6:12).

• Budget margin: Build a “mercy fund” in your budget so generosity does not damage your own family’s stability (1 Timothy 5:8).

Business dealings

• Transparent pricing: Charge fair, clearly disclosed rates; avoid bait-and-switch tactics or fine-print penalties (Proverbs 11:1).

• Ethical profit: Earning a return is legitimate (Deuteronomy 23:20) but must never rely on desperation—no predatory payday-style lending.

• Share blessing: Allocate a portion of profits to benevolence, following Old Testament gleaning laws that left margin for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10).

Investing and saving

• Purpose-driven capital: Choose investments that do not exploit low-income borrowers (Proverbs 28:8).

• Moderate expectations: Accept lower returns when necessary to uphold biblical ethics (Philippians 2:4).

• Community development: Support credit unions or micro-loan programs that empower without oppressive interest.

Church and ministry

• Benevolence funds: Establish resources for members’ emergency needs, provided interest-free.

• Financial counseling: Teach stewardship so borrowing becomes last resort.

• Advocacy: Speak against laws or practices that trap people in unending debt (Isaiah 1:17).

Heart posture

• Generosity reflects Christ, who “though He was rich…became poor” for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9).

• Trust God’s provision rather than maximizing gain at another’s expense (Matthew 6:31-33).

• Live as stewards eager to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).