What Does the Bible Say About Loaning Money and Debt

The Bible has a lot to say about loaning money and debt, and it's worth taking a closer look. According to Exodus 22:25, you shouldn't charge interest to a fellow Israelite, but to foreigners it's okay.

The Bible warns against taking advantage of others with excessive interest rates. In Leviticus 25:36, it states that you shouldn't charge interest to your brother, and in Deuteronomy 23:19, it says you shouldn't take interest from a foreigner either.

The consequences of accumulating debt are also mentioned in the Bible. In Proverbs 22:7, it says that the rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

In the Old Testament, there's a clear teaching on lending money. Christians are commanded to provide loans to their brothers and sisters in the faith without charging interest.

The Bible says, "If you lend money to one of My people who is poor among you, you shall not be to him as a money-lender, neither shall you lay upon him interest" (Exodus 22:25). This means that when lending to someone in need, we shouldn't treat them like a business transaction.

You may lend to a stranger and charge interest, but to a brother, you should not (Deuteronomy 23:19). This distinction highlights the importance of considering the relationship and intentions behind lending money.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to give to those who ask for loans without turning them away empty-handed. Jesus says to give to the one who asks of you, and not to turn away from the one who wishes to borrow from you.

If someone sues you for a loan and takes your garment, Jesus advises you to give them your coat as well. This principle of generosity extends even to our enemies, as Jesus instructs us not to turn them away in their need.

This principle of lending without expecting repayment is also seen in other Bible verses, such as Matthew 25:35-40, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, and James 1:27, 2:15-16.

Jesus teaches us to give to those who ask for help, including loans, without turning them away empty-handed. He says to give them what they need, even if it's a coat in addition to a garment.

In Matthew 5:40-42, Jesus instructs us to go the extra mile and give more than what's asked of us. He says to give to the one who asks of you and not turn away from the one who wishes to borrow from you.

Jesus also emphasizes the importance of showing kindness to our enemies, even in their time of need. He says we should give to them as well, just as we would to a friend.

According to Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus teaches that lending to those in need is a way to serve Him. He says that when we give to the hungry, the thirsty, and the stranger, we are giving to Him.

The Bible also warns against lending with the expectation of earning interest. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, it says that God loves a cheerful giver, but it doesn't mention anything about earning interest from loans.

Jesus' teachings on lending and giving are clear: we should give to those who ask, even if it's a loan, and do so without expecting anything in return.

In the New Testament, we see a continuation of the principles established in the Old Testament regarding lending and interest. Specifically, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, which includes not taking advantage of those in need.

The Bible warns against charging interest to the poor, as seen in Proverbs 28:8. This verse tells us that whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of kindness and generosity towards those in need. In the Sermon on the Mount, He says, "Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42).

Here are some key principles from the New Testament on lending and interest:

In the New Testament, we see a shift from the Old Testament laws to a focus on principles and heart attitudes. As Christians, we are called to live out these principles in our daily lives, including being generous and kind towards those in need.

In the Old Testament, we see specific instructions about who not to charge interest to.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 instructs Israelites not to charge interest on loans to their brothers, including money, food, or anything else lent for interest.

To a foreigner, however, it was acceptable to charge interest.

This principle is also reflected in Nehemiah 5:7 and 10, where Nehemiah rebukes the nobles and rulers for charging interest to their own people.

As a follower of Jesus under a New Covenant, one may view these instructions as a principle rather than a law to be strictly followed.

The Bible has some clear instructions about lending money with interest, particularly when it comes to the poor. Proverbs 28:8 specifically mentions that earning interest from the poor is not a good thing.

God has a soft spot for the disenfranchised, and He doesn't want to see them taken advantage of. This is evident in Exodus 22:25, which says not to be like a moneylender to the poor and not to exact interest from them.

The Bible also mentions that charging interest to fellow Israelites is not allowed. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 says you shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest.

Interestingly, it's okay to charge interest to foreigners, but not to your own people. This principle is still relevant today, and as a follower of Jesus, it's something to consider when lending money to others.