Lending practices in the Bible are addressed with a focus on justice, compassion, and the well-being of the community. The Scriptures provide guidance on how lending should be conducted among the people of God, emphasizing fairness and the avoidance of exploitation.

Old Testament Guidelines

In the Old Testament, lending is often discussed in the context of the covenant community of Israel. The Law given through Moses includes specific instructions on lending to fellow Israelites. Exodus 22:25 states, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and support for the poor, prohibiting the charging of interest to fellow Israelites in need.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude one should have when lending: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the expectation of generosity and open-handedness towards those in need.

The concept of the Sabbatical Year, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 , also plays a role in lending practices: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." This provision ensures that debt does not become a perpetual burden, reflecting God's desire for economic justice and restoration.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to address the principles of lending and borrowing. Jesus, in His teachings, emphasizes the spirit of generosity and selflessness. In Luke 6:34-35 , He instructs, "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, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

The early Christian community exemplified these principles in their communal life. Acts 4:32-35 describes how the believers shared their possessions and resources, ensuring that "there were no needy ones among them." This practice of mutual support and generosity reflects the teachings of Christ and the apostles on lending and giving.

Warnings Against Exploitation

The Bible also warns against exploitative lending practices. Proverbs 22:7 observes, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb highlights the potential for power imbalances and the dangers of becoming ensnared in debt.

In the prophetic literature, God condemns those who exploit the poor through unjust lending practices. Ezekiel 18:13 warns against charging excessive interest: "He lends at interest and takes a profit—will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head."

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on lending practices is rooted in the principles of justice, mercy, and community welfare. The Scriptures call for a compassionate approach to lending, one that prioritizes the needs of the poor and vulnerable while avoiding exploitation and greed. Through these teachings, the Bible provides a framework for ethical financial interactions that honor God and promote the well-being of all members of society.