In biblical terms, the usurer and extortioner are often depicted as individuals who exploit others through unjust financial practices. These practices are condemned throughout Scripture, reflecting a broader biblical ethic that emphasizes justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable.

Usury in the Old Testament

Usury, the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, is explicitly addressed in the Old Testament. The Mosaic Law contains clear prohibitions against charging interest to fellow Israelites, particularly to those who are poor or in need. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "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 community support, discouraging the exploitation of those in financial distress.

Leviticus 25:35-37 further elaborates on this principle: "If your brother becomes impoverished and cannot support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining the dignity and well-being of the impoverished, reflecting God's desire for His people to act with integrity and kindness.

Usury in the Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of usury. Proverbs 28:8 states, "He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor." This proverb suggests that wealth gained through unjust means will ultimately benefit those who are righteous and compassionate, reinforcing the idea that God favors justice and generosity over exploitation.

Extortion in the Old Testament

Extortion, the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats, is similarly condemned. Ezekiel 22:12 highlights the sin of extortion among the Israelites: "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest; you make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." This passage links extortion with other forms of corruption and injustice, indicating that such practices are a departure from God's commandments and a sign of spiritual decay.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in financial dealings. While the specific term "usury" is less frequently mentioned, the spirit of the law remains. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the importance of generosity and the dangers of wealth. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus 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 Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of greed and exploitation in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Here, swindlers and the greedy are grouped with other sinners, indicating that financial exploitation is incompatible with Christian living.

Ethical Implications

The biblical condemnation of usury and extortion reflects a broader ethical framework that values justice, mercy, and community. Believers are called to act with integrity in all their dealings, ensuring that their financial practices align with the teachings of Scripture. The usurer and extortioner, as depicted in the Bible, serve as warnings against the dangers of greed and the exploitation of others, urging the faithful to pursue righteousness and compassion in all aspects of life.