Usury, or the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, is a topic addressed throughout the Bible. God cares deeply about justice, compassion, and fairness, especially regarding how we treat the poor and vulnerable. Scripture warns against exploiting others through financial systems and calls believers to act with integrity, generosity, and mercy. This teaching remains relevant today in our economic dealings and how we use money to bless rather than burden others. The following sections highlight God’s heart concerning usury and provide guidance through His Word.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Cheating with Money
God Condemns Oppressive Lending
The Bible clearly shows that God is against lending practices that exploit or oppress the poor. Charging high interest, especially to those who are already in need, is considered unjust in God’s eyes. His law called for fairness and compassion, not profit at the expense of others’ suffering. God’s people are instructed to lend generously and not demand interest when doing so. This principle protects the dignity of the borrower and reflects God’s own generosity toward us.
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would.”
Leviticus 25:36
“Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense. Instead, show your fear of God by letting him live with you as your relative.”
Nehemiah 5:10
“I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain. But now let us stop this business of charging interest.”
Psalm 15:5
“Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent—such people will stand firm forever.”
Proverbs 28:8
“Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.”
Compassion Over Profit
God calls His people to choose compassion over profit. In a world where financial gain is often pursued at all costs, Scripture reminds us that relationships and mercy matter more. Lending should never be a means of taking advantage of others but rather an opportunity to reflect God’s kindness. When we put people before profit, we mirror the love and grace God extends to us daily. The practice of usury, especially toward the weak and needy, contradicts the heart of God.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.”
Proverbs 22:16
“A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.”
Ezekiel 18:8
“He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord.”
Isaiah 58:10
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Proverbs 14:31
“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”
God Honors Generous Lending
Throughout Scripture, God honors those who lend generously without expecting anything in return. This reflects His character—merciful, gracious, and giving. True righteousness involves not only what we avoid (like usury), but also what we practice, such as generosity. When we help others without burdening them, we act as the hands and feet of Christ. Lending without interest becomes an act of worship, showing faith that God will repay and provide. These verses encourage a spirit of giving that pleases God.
Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid…”
Psalm 37:26
“The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.”
Deuteronomy 23:19
“Do not charge interest on the loans you make to a fellow Israelite, whether you loan money or food or anything else.”
Matthew 5:42
“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.”
Proverbs 19:17
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!”
Usury Leads to Judgment
God’s Word warns of the consequences that come with charging interest in an unjust or greedy manner. Usury can become a form of oppression, and Scripture shows that those who exploit others through it will not escape God’s judgment. It is not just a financial issue—it is a heart issue. God sees the motives behind our actions, and He calls His people to righteousness and justice. These warnings serve as sobering reminders to walk in the fear of the Lord in all our dealings.
Ezekiel 22:12
“You charge interest on loans and make a profit by extorting your neighbors. You have forgotten me, says the Sovereign Lord.”
Ezekiel 18:13
“And suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father’s wickedness and decides against that kind of life… Such a person will not live. He has done all these detestable things and he must die.”
Amos 2:6-7
“This is what the Lord says: ‘The people of Israel have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished… They trample helpless people in the dust and shove the oppressed out of the way.'”
Isaiah 10:1-2
“What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy…”
James 5:4
“For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you…”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Fraud
Jesus and Financial Mercy
Jesus came to fulfill the Law and bring mercy and truth. His teachings and parables often emphasized financial mercy and warned against greed. Jesus called people to care for others, forgive debts, and be rich toward God rather than store up earthly wealth. He showed us that true riches are found in generosity, compassion, and obedience to God’s heart. In a world obsessed with interest and profit, Jesus modeled selflessness and called His followers to do the same.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Matthew 18:27
“Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.”
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!”
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring Good News to the poor… to set the oppressed free.”
Luke 19:8
“Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!'”
Living Justly in Financial Matters
Christians are called to live with integrity in every area of life—including finances. How we earn, lend, and give money reflects the condition of our hearts. The Bible teaches us to avoid dishonest gain, to act fairly, and to seek the good of others. As stewards of God’s resources, we should handle money in ways that honor Him and help people, not harm them. Rejecting usury is part of this larger call to live justly and love mercy. These verses encourage ethical financial conduct rooted in love for God and neighbor.
Micah 6:8
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Romans 13:8
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”
Hebrews 13:5
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”
Philippians 2:4
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Restoration Through Repentance
Even when people have walked in disobedience through practices like usury, God’s mercy offers the hope of restoration through repentance. The Bible emphasizes that if a person turns away from sin, including unjust financial dealings, and does what is right, they can be forgiven and renewed. God desires transformation over punishment. These verses encourage us to examine our hearts and actions, seek forgiveness, and commit to righteous living. His grace is greater than our mistakes, and through repentance, we can be restored and used for His glory.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
Ezekiel 18:21
“But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die.”
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.”
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”