Topical Bible: Usury or Interest: Judgments Denounced Against Those Who Exacted Unlawful

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the practice of charging interest on loans, known as usury, was a subject of significant moral and ethical concern. The Bible provides clear guidance on the issue, particularly when it comes to the exploitation of the poor and needy through excessive interest rates. The Scriptures denounce the practice of unlawful usury, emphasizing justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament contains explicit instructions regarding the charging of interest, especially among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , the law 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 community solidarity and the protection of the impoverished from financial exploitation.

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 welfare of fellow Israelites, ensuring that financial aid does not become a burden.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 provides additional clarity: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land you are entering to possess." This passage distinguishes between fellow Israelites and foreigners, highlighting a covenantal responsibility to care for one's own community without financial exploitation.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel also spoke out against the practice of usury, particularly when it was used to oppress the poor. Ezekiel 18:13 warns, "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." This stark warning reflects the severity with which God views the exploitation of the vulnerable through unjust financial practices.

In Ezekiel 22:12 , the prophet condemns the leaders of Israel for their corrupt practices: "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." The denunciation of usury is part of a broader critique of social injustice and corruption, indicating that such practices are symptomatic of a society that has turned away from God's commandments.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible 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 biblical principle that God favors justice and mercy over exploitation.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury in the same manner as the Old Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love, generosity, and the ethical treatment of others. 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 encourages believers to transcend conventional financial practices and embody the selfless love of God.

The biblical stance on usury, particularly in the context of exploiting the poor, is clear and unequivocal. The Scriptures call for a community marked by justice, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of all its members, reflecting the heart of God for the oppressed and marginalized.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 24:1,2
Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty, and makes it waste, and turns it upside down, and scatters abroad the inhabitants thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 18:13
Has given forth on usury, and has taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook