“Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.” (v.19-20)
There are many miscellaneous laws mentioned here in chapter 23. This law, concerning loans made to a fellow Israelite, I find very practical and sound for us today.
The Bible teaches us that, “The love of money is the root of evil.” Exacting usury from a brother who is in need, is adding insult to injury. Profiting from a loan to a family member or a brother/sister in Christ can bring problems home to roost. But if love and concern for someone in need is our reason for lending anything, then there is no need to profit from it, nor even to expect compensation for it when given in love.
However, we are told here that charging interest to a foreigner (someone outside of the family so to speak) was allowed. God simply did not want His people collecting usury from each other, for it was not just or right. (Ezekiel 18:5-8)
The Truth: "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.” (Exodus 22:25)
