The concept of the non-usurer in the Bible is rooted in the ethical and moral teachings regarding the lending of money and the treatment of the poor and needy. Usury, the practice of charging excessive interest on loans, is addressed in several passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of compassion, justice, and righteousness in financial dealings.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding the practice of lending and the prohibition of usury among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25, the Lord commands, "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This directive emphasizes the importance of mercy and kindness towards those in financial distress, reflecting God's concern for the welfare of the impoverished.

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 countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." Here, the focus is on maintaining the dignity and livelihood of one's fellow countrymen, ensuring that financial aid does not become a burden.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20 distinguishes between lending practices among Israelites and foreigners: "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, 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 distinction underscores the covenantal relationship among the Israelites and the expectation of mutual support and fairness.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the issue of usury. In Psalm 15:1, 5, the psalmist asks, "LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? ... He who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent." This passage associates the refusal to engage in usury with righteousness and integrity, qualities that are pleasing to God.

Proverbs 28:8 warns of the consequences of unjust gain: "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 accumulated through exploitative means will ultimately benefit those who are generous and compassionate.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also speak against the practice of usury, often linking it to broader social injustices. Ezekiel 18:8-9 describes the righteous man as one "who does not lend at interest or take a profit, who withholds his hand from injustice and executes true justice between men. He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances; he is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD." This passage highlights the connection between just financial practices and a life of obedience to God's commands.

Ezekiel 22:12 condemns the people of Jerusalem for their corrupt practices: "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest; you make unjust gain of your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." Here, usury is part of a broader pattern of exploitation and moral decay, indicative of a society that has turned away from God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize love, generosity, and selflessness in all interactions, including financial ones. 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 without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

This teaching encourages believers to adopt an attitude of grace and benevolence, reflecting the character of God in their dealings with others. The non-usurer, therefore, embodies the principles of love, justice, and mercy, aligning with the broader biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable and act with integrity in all aspects of life.