Topical Encyclopedia Lending, as addressed in the Bible, encompasses a range of principles and guidelines that reflect the moral and ethical standards expected of believers. The act of lending is not merely a financial transaction but is often portrayed as an opportunity to demonstrate compassion, justice, and righteousness.Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament provides foundational teachings on lending, emphasizing fairness and compassion. In Exodus 22:25 , the Israelites are instructed, "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 aiding those in need without exploiting their vulnerability. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the spirit of generosity: "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 open-handedness and willingness to support those in need. The concept of the Sabbatical Year, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 , also plays a significant 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 mercy. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses lending. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of kindness and lending to those in need are seen as investments in God's economy, with divine rewards promised to the generous. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the principles of lending with an emphasis on love and selflessness. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus teaches, "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." This passage challenges believers to transcend conventional expectations and to lend with a heart of unconditional love and generosity. The apostle Paul, in his epistles, also touches on the theme of lending, particularly in the context of Christian community and mutual support. In Romans 13:8 , he writes, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This exhortation encourages believers to prioritize love and community over financial transactions. Conclusion The biblical perspective on lending is deeply rooted in the principles of justice, mercy, and love. It calls for a compassionate approach that prioritizes the well-being of others and reflects the character of God. Through both the Old and New Testaments, believers are encouraged to lend with integrity, generosity, and a heart aligned with God's purposes. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 22:25-27If you lend money to any of my people that is poor by you, you shall not be to him as an usurer, neither shall you lay on him usury. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 25:35-37 Deuteronomy 15:1-11 Deuteronomy 23:19,20 Deuteronomy 24:6,10-13,17 Nehemiah 5:1-13 Psalm 37:25,26 Psalm 112:5 Proverbs 19:17 Proverbs 22:7 Proverbs 28:8 Isaiah 24:1,2 Ezekiel 18:13 Matthew 5:42 Luke 6:34,35 Library The General Conference of 1836 From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Jews. Omniscience On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows... The Great Schism The Positive Side Second Sunday after Epiphany Christ and the Little Children The First Book Resources What is religious pluralism? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Life ' Theme Index | GotQuestions.org Who were Jannes and Jambres? | GotQuestions.org Lending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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