How can we apply Exodus 22:25 to modern financial practices and policies? Setting the Verse in Context “ If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.” (Exodus 22:25) Key Principles Embedded in the Command • Compassion for the vulnerable: God singles out “the poor” for special protection. • Prohibition of exploitation: Lending is permitted, profiteering is not. • Stewardship, not ownership: Wealth is a tool entrusted by God for kingdom purposes (Psalm 24:1). Personal Financial Practices • Offer help before profit. When a believer encounters someone in genuine need—family, friend, neighbor, church member—give or lend without expecting gain (Luke 6:34-36). • Avoid predatory instruments: Payday loans, sky-high credit-card interest, or any scheme built on trapping the needy violates the spirit of Exodus 22:25. • Budget generosity: Include a “mercy line” in your monthly plan to meet pressing needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). • Practice voluntary, interest-free loans among believers. Keep records, set clear timelines, and treat borrowers with dignity (Psalm 15:5). • When repayment truly cannot happen, be ready to forgive the debt (Matthew 6:12; Leviticus 25:35-37). Church and Community Initiatives • Benevolence funds: Pool resources so one household’s crisis is met by many hands (Acts 4:34-35). • Financial counseling ministries: Equip struggling members to manage money wisely, preventing cycles of debt (Proverbs 27:23-24). • Micro-loan circles: Small, interest-free loans coupled with mentoring can help launch businesses or stabilize households. • Direct partnership with reputable, low-interest community lenders or credit unions to provide alternatives to predatory options. Implications for Business Owners • Structure employee loans or salary advances at zero or minimal interest. • Pay fair wages promptly; withholding or delaying pay is condemned (James 5:1-4). • Evaluate vendor and supplier contracts for hidden fees or punitive rates that burden smaller partners (Proverbs 28:8). Public Policy Considerations • Support reasonable interest-rate caps and transparent lending disclosures. • Advocate for bankruptcy laws and debt-relief programs that give families a fresh start, echoing the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25). • Promote financial literacy in schools and community centers to reduce vulnerability to exploitative loans. • Encourage charitable institutions and faith-based nonprofits to collaborate with local governments, extending relief where state aid falls short (Isaiah 58:6-7). A Heart Check • Do my lending and spending patterns showcase mercy or maximize gain? • When I have extra, do I instinctively look for ways to bless others, or to enlarge my own comfort (Luke 12:15-21)? • Am I willing to sacrifice convenience or profit to obey God’s clear command? Living It Out Exodus 22:25 calls believers to turn wealth into a means of mercy, not oppression. By lending without interest to the needy, championing fair-minded policies, and modeling generous hearts, we reflect the Lord who “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). |
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