God’s Wisdom Found In Israel’s Usury Laws: Part 2
In my previous article I wrote about God’s prohibition to Israel against charging interest or usury in Leviticus 25. It was such an important command that He gave it two more times in Exodus 22 and Deuteronomy 23. To refresh our minds, please read Leviticus 25:35-37 again. Leviticus 25:35-37 35 Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. 36 Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you. 37 You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain. Let’s think further about the results of charging interest, the alternatives to it, and why God made it such a point to prohibit the behavior in Israel. The first thing to realize is that lending with interest can increase the money supply. It is common for banks to give out bank notes instead of hard currency like gold or silver. I do