Overview
The Bible prohibits God's people from charging usury (interest) on loans to fellow believers, particularly the poor. This principle reflects God's concern for justice and compassion in economic dealings. While lending to foreigners with interest was permitted, charging interest to fellow Israelites violated the covenant community's obligation to care for one another.
Key Scriptures
"You shall not charge your brother interest on money, food, or anything else that is lent for interest" (Deuteronomy 23:20, ESV).
"You have taken interest and increase and have made gain of your neighbors by extortion; and you have forgotten me, declares the Lord God" (Ezekiel 22:12, ESV).
Nehemiah 5 records how Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem had charged usury against their own people, prompting Nehemiah's rebuke and the people's repentance and restitution (Nehemiah 5:1-13, ESV).
Application
Believers today should examine their financial practices to ensure they reflect biblical compassion, avoiding exploitative lending and treating others with the generosity God has shown us.