Ursury
The Bible consistently cautions against usury (charging interest), particularly when it exploits the poor. These teachings appear throughout the Law, Prophets, Psalms, and even in Jesus’ parables.
Old Testament
- Exodus 22:25 – Prohibits charging interest to the poor.
- Leviticus 25:36-37 – Commands taking no interest from a fellow Israelite.
- Deuteronomy 23:19-20 – Forbids interest to “your brother” but allows it to foreigners.
- Psalm 15:5 – Praises the person who does not lend at interest.
- Proverbs 28:8 – Warns that wealth gained by usury will ultimately benefit the poor.
- Ezekiel 18:8, 13, 17; 22:12 – Condemns usury as an abomination and injustice.
- Nehemiah 5:7, 10 – Rebukes leaders for exacting usury from their own people.
- Jeremiah 15:10 – Mentions the social strife associated with lending and borrowing.
New Testament
- Matthew 25:27 – Jesus references interest in the Parable of the Talents, acknowledging common banking practices.
Across Scripture, usury is portrayed as unjust when it harms the vulnerable or exploits community members, emphasising fairness, compassion, and economic justice.
Summary from MS Copilot.
