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Lending

Biblical lending principles emphasize compassion toward the poor, prohibition of exploitative interest, and regular forgiveness of debts to prevent perpetual servitude.

Overview

Scripture establishes lending as an act of mercy toward those in need, while strictly prohibiting usury and exploitative practices. God's law includes provisions for periodic debt forgiveness, demonstrating His concern that lending relationships not create permanent bondage or economic oppression.

Key Scriptures

"If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him" (Exodus 22:25, ESV).

"At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts. And this is the manner of the remission: every creditor shall remit the claim that he has made against his neighbor" (Deuteronomy 15:1-2, ESV).

"If there is among you a poor man of your brethren...you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him" (Deuteronomy 15:7-8, NKJV).

Application

Christians should lend generously to those in genuine need without seeking profit, and support policies that prevent predatory lending practices.

Scripture References 40
Exodus 22:25 Exodus 22:26 Exodus 22:27 Leviticus 25:35 Leviticus 25:36 Leviticus 25:37 Deuteronomy 15:1 Deuteronomy 15:2 Deuteronomy 15:3 Deuteronomy 15:4 Deuteronomy 15:5 Deuteronomy 15:6 Deuteronomy 15:7 Deuteronomy 15:8 Deuteronomy 15:9 Deuteronomy 15:10 Deuteronomy 15:11 Deuteronomy 23:19 Deuteronomy 23:20 Deuteronomy 24:10 Deuteronomy 24:11 Deuteronomy 24:12 Deuteronomy 24:13 Nehemiah 5:1 Nehemiah 5:2 Nehemiah 5:3 Nehemiah 5:4 Nehemiah 5:5 Nehemiah 5:6 Nehemiah 5:7 Nehemiah 5:8 Nehemiah 5:9 Nehemiah 5:10 Nehemiah 5:11 Nehemiah 5:12 Nehemiah 5:13 Psalms 37:25 Psalms 37:26 Isaiah 24:1 Isaiah 24:2
Full Topical Reference List 42 total — Nave's Topical Bible

General references

Deuteronomy 15:1 Deuteronomy 15:2 Deuteronomy 15:3 Deuteronomy 15:4 Deuteronomy 15:5 Deuteronomy 15:6 Deuteronomy 15:7 Deuteronomy 15:8 Deuteronomy 15:9 Deuteronomy 15:10 Deuteronomy 15:11 Deuteronomy 23:19 Deuteronomy 23:20 Deuteronomy 24:10 Deuteronomy 24:11 Deuteronomy 24:12 Deuteronomy 24:13 Exodus 22:25 Exodus 22:26 Exodus 22:27 Isaiah 24:1 Isaiah 24:2 Leviticus 25:35 Leviticus 25:36 Leviticus 25:37 Luke 6:34 Luke 6:35 Nehemiah 5:1 Nehemiah 5:2 Nehemiah 5:3 Nehemiah 5:4 Nehemiah 5:5 Nehemiah 5:6 Nehemiah 5:7 Nehemiah 5:8 Nehemiah 5:9 Nehemiah 5:10 Nehemiah 5:11 Nehemiah 5:12 Nehemiah 5:13 Psalms 37:25 Psalms 37:26
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