Interest

The charge for the lending of money on a commercial or private loan. The practice of charging interest (known as usury) is treated with caution by OT writers on account of its potential for exploitation.

Usury forbidden among the Israelites

Exodus 22:25 See also Leviticus 25:35–37; Deuteronomy 23:19

If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

Lending without interest: a characteristic of the righteous

Psalm 15:5; Ezekiel 18:8, Ezekiel 18:17; Luke 6:30, Luke 6:31

Exacting interest: a characteristic of the wicked

Proverbs 28:8; Jeremiah 15:10; Ezekiel 18:13, Ezekiel 22:12; 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:10

Lending: a charitable, not a commercial, activity

Deuteronomy 15:8; Psalm 112:5; Luke 6:35

Example of oppression through usury

Nehemiah 5:6–11

Usury permissible for commercial transactions involving ``outsiders''

Deuteronomy 23:20 This legislation permits rather than encourages usury and remains subject to considerations protecting the poor. See also Deuteronomy 15:1–11; Matthew 25:27 parallel Luke 19:23

You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.