I was looking at my credit card statement and the interest accrued from the purchases I had made.
The credit card companies are loan sharks! Their appetite for profit has become an insatiable feeding frenzy in America.
It’s about the debits or usury, commonly known as interest—money paid for the usage of money borrowed or lent.
We remember Shakespeare’s adage about certain financial transactions. He said, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” The adage suggests that being a borrower or a lender can be disadvantageous, especially between friends or family members.
I am also reminded of what the Bible says about lending and borrowing: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Shakespeare was wise about the venture, but the Bible has a wealth of wisdom about lending and borrowing, especially regarding profit or interest.
Often, transactions between individuals can be as straining and draining as those with corporations.
Exodus 22:25 says. “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest.”
Why exploit someone when they are in need?
Profiting from someone’s need is void of compassion and generosity and is not Christ-like, who gives us what we need freely.
Leviticus 25:36-37 plainly states, “Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.”
Of course, these Exodus and Leviticus verses are part of the Old Testament but are prime and pertinent examples of how believers should deal with each other in terms of ‘for profit.’
Believers know that no one can beat God’s giving, and when we give to the needy, we are lending to God. God promises to bless and repay those who lend and do for others.
Wealth from the exploitation of others is uncharacteristic of a Christian.
A good question to consider is, “What is the measure of one’s wealth?”
The measure of our wealth is what we give and share with others, especially the poor and needy. If giving is a display of wealth, accumulating things and giving a blind eye to the less fortunate is a display of selfishness, ungodliness, and depravity.
What does the New Testament say about usury and profit seeking in lending?
Luke 6:35 says, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
God’s Word about lending and borrowing is wise and plain. Both Christian lenders and borrowers are at an advantage when they do things God’s way with faith, compassion, and love.
Shakespeare’s advice is not to be a lender nor a borrower, but God says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
We fulfill the law with love and generosity, which is of Christ and not for profit.
I hope that you are happy and well.