What does "does not lend at interest" teach about biblical financial principles? Setting the Verse in Context Psalm 15 lists qualities God looks for in those who may “dwell on His holy mountain.” One of the traits is: “He does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent.” (Psalm 15:5) What the Verse Literally Says • “Does not lend his money at interest” – the righteous person refuses to profit from a brother or sister’s need. • God connects freedom from interest-taking with moral integrity and stability: “He who does these things will never be shaken.” Key Financial Principles Illustrated • People come before profit. • Wealth is a stewardship, not a weapon. • God watches the terms we place on help we give. • Compassionate generosity is a mark of true worship. Old Testament Framework • Exodus 22:25 – “If you lend money to one of My people among you who is needy… you are not to charge him interest.” • Leviticus 25:35-37 – prohibiting interest so “your countryman can continue to live among you.” • Deuteronomy 23:19-20 – no interest toward a fellow Israelite; obedience invites God’s blessing. • Ezekiel 18:8, 17 – taking interest is listed among sins that bring judgment. • Proverbs 28:8 – ill-gotten gain through interest is ultimately transferred to “one who is kind to the poor.” Summary: Scripture bans interest on loans to the covenant community, especially the poor, to protect them from spiraling debt and to keep wealth circulating for everyone’s well-being. New Testament Echoes • Luke 6:34-35 – “Lend… expecting nothing in return; then your reward will be great.” • Acts 4:32-35 – early believers voluntarily shared resources so “there was no needy person among them.” While Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:27 recognizes commercial banking, His teaching to disciples promotes open-handed lending without burdensome expectations. Balancing Stewardship and Enterprise • Scripture never condemns honest commerce or investment (cf. Proverbs 31:16, 18). • The specific prohibition targets taking advantage of a brother’s hardship. • Charging fair interest in a business setting where both sides benefit can be permissible, yet exploiting need is always sin. Practical Takeaways Today • Before making a loan, examine motives: Am I helping or enriching myself? • Offer interest-free help to believers in crisis when possible. • Explore gifts or grants rather than loans for the truly destitute. • In business, set transparent, reasonable rates that reflect love of neighbor. • Remember God, not interest income, is our ultimate Provider (Philippians 4:19). Living out “does not lend at interest” shapes a community where generosity, trust in God, and human dignity eclipse the love of money. |
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