Usury, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of charging excessive or unfair interest on loans. This practice is often condemned in Scripture, as it exploits the needy and contradicts the principles of justice and mercy that are central to biblical teaching. The Bible provides clear guidance on the issue of usury, particularly in the context of lending to fellow Israelites and the poor.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament contains explicit prohibitions against usury, especially among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , the Lord commands, "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 directive underscores the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings, particularly towards those in vulnerable positions.

Leviticus 25:35-37 further elaborates on this principle: "If your brother becomes impoverished and cannot support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining the dignity and well-being of one's neighbor, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 provides additional instruction: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. 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 you are entering to possess." This passage distinguishes between lending practices within the covenant community and those involving outsiders, highlighting the special bond and responsibility among God's people.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of usury. In Proverbs 28:8 , it is written, "He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor." This proverb suggests that wealth gained through unjust means will ultimately benefit those who act righteously, reinforcing the idea that God favors justice and generosity over exploitation.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of Israel also spoke against the practice of usury. Ezekiel 18:13 condemns those who engage in usury: "He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head." This stark warning reflects the severity with which God views the exploitation of the poor and the violation of His commandments.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love, generosity, and the ethical treatment of others. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus instructs, "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." This teaching encourages believers to transcend the transactional nature of lending and to embody the selfless love of God.

Historical Context and Application

Throughout history, the Church has grappled with the issue of usury, often condemning it as contrary to Christian ethics. The early Church Fathers, such as Ambrose and Augustine, spoke against the practice, viewing it as incompatible with the love and charity that should characterize Christian relationships.

In contemporary application, the biblical principles regarding usury challenge believers to consider the ethical implications of their financial practices. Just men, innocent of the vice of requiring usury, are those who align their actions with the biblical call to justice, mercy, and love, ensuring that their dealings reflect the character of God and His concern for the well-being of all people.Ezekiel 18:8
He that has not given forth on usury, neither has taken any increase, that has withdrawn his hand from iniquity, has executed true judgment between man and man,
Nave's Topical Index

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... 2233] You may just as well ... by artful dishonesty obtained their possessions, or by
usury, at exorbitant ... that baptism is not to be given to men after intemperate ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

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