Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of lending is closely tied to the principles of generosity, justice, and compassion. Lending, as depicted in the Scriptures, is not merely a financial transaction but a moral and spiritual act that reflects one's relationship with God and others.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several guidelines and principles regarding lending, particularly in the Mosaic Law. Lending to fellow Israelites was encouraged, especially to those in need, but it was to be done without interest. In Exodus 22:25 , the law states, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and support within the community of God's people. The principle of the Sabbatical Year, as outlined in Deuteronomy 15:1-11, further emphasizes the spirit of generosity. Every seventh year, debts were to be canceled, providing relief to the poor and preventing perpetual poverty. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs, "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses lending, often highlighting the blessings associated with generosity. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of kindness and lending to those in need are seen as lending to God Himself, with the promise of divine reward. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the principles of lending, urging His followers to go beyond the letter of the law to embody the spirit of love and selflessness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This command encourages believers to be open-handed and willing to help others, reflecting the grace and generosity of God. The parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) also touches on the theme of lending and forgiveness. It illustrates the importance of mercy and the expectation that those who have received grace should extend it to others. Apostolic Teachings The apostolic writings continue to emphasize the importance of generosity and the proper attitude towards wealth and lending. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This passage highlights the principle that generosity in lending and giving is a reflection of one's faith and trust in God's provision. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, lending is portrayed as an opportunity to demonstrate love, compassion, and justice. It is a means by which believers can reflect God's character and participate in His work of caring for the needy and promoting equity within the community. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n. pl.) Loins.Greek 2727. katecheo -- to teach by word of mouth ... [The prefix lends the idea "exactly," indicating how oral instruction skillfully brought a subject from one level to another to reach and .]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2727.htm - 8k 2720. kateuthuno -- to make straight 1805. exagorazo -- to buy up, ie ransom, fig. to rescue from loss Strong's Hebrew 3867b. lavah -- to borrow... Definition to borrow NASB Word Usage borrow (1), borrowed (1), borrower becomes the lender's (1), borrows (1), lend (4), lender like the borrower (1), lends (3 ... /hebrew/3867b.htm - 5k 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set Library Internal Evidence Goes Far to Establish the Credit which Eusebius ... We Ought to Detest These Heathen Meetings and Assemblies... Good Works. The Fourth Ground of his Censure is in the Beginning of My Second ... On the Fast of the Tenth Month, vi. Whether Catechism Should Precede Baptism? Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent? A Serious Mind. Time Changes Nations' Dresses --And Fortunes. The Clergyman and the Prayer Book. Thesaurus Lends (4 Occurrences)...Lends (4 Occurrences). Psalms 37:26 All day long he deals graciously, and lends. ... (WEB NAS). Psalms 112:5 It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. ... /l/lends.htm - 7k Usurer (2 Occurrences) Lending (4 Occurrences) Graciously (24 Occurrences) Deals (34 Occurrences) Gracious (106 Occurrences) Loan (9 Occurrences) Lender (4 Occurrences) Liberally (4 Occurrences) Generously (12 Occurrences) Resources Does God exist? | GotQuestions.orgHow tall was Adam? | GotQuestions.org What is Vajrayana Buddhism? | GotQuestions.org Lends: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lends (4 Occurrences)Psalms 37:26 Psalms 112:5 Proverbs 19:17 Ezekiel 18:13 Subtopics Related Terms Corresponding (17 Occurrences) |
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