Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop charging this interest. Nehemiah 5:10
I am currently teaching Financial Peace University, a course written by Dave Ramsey, at my church. Dave is a proponent of getting out of debt and staying out of debt. The interest one pays on a loan increases the actual cost of the item. Sometimes companies charge such a large interest rate that a person may pay twice as much for an item purchased on credit than if he paid cash for the item. Dave’s teachings are based upon Biblical principles. The Bible is clear that one should not charge interest on money that is loaned to a fellow countryman.
Nehemiah told the rich Jews to stop charging interest on their loans to their needy brothers. God does not like it when a person profits from the misfortune of others. He wants us to care for one another and help our fellow brothers and sisters. When a fellow Christian suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). The Bible encourages us to help others. Proverbs 28:27 says, “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing.”
Challenge: Make it a practice to help those who are in need. Give to the poor. Do not charge any interest if you loan a fellow brother or sister some money. Ask God to provide opportunities for you to serve as a financial blessing to someone else.