Verse of the Day: Don’t Charge Interest!

22 “You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. 23 If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would. 26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as security for a loan, you must return it before sunset. 27 This coat may be the only blanket your neighbor has. How can a person sleep without it? If you do not return it and your neighbor cries out to me for help, then I will hear, for I am merciful.

Exodus 22:22-27 (NLT)

It says in verse 25 to not charge interest on a personal loan to someone in need. That’s an interesting thought. Payday lenders and the like charge outrageous interest rates and seem to exploit the poor and needy. I remember seeing an article online that mapped out payday lenders in their area. They were all concentrated in poorer areas of town. There were absolutely no payday lenders in affluent neighborhoods.

A co-worker of mine who always seems to have financial problems once told me that he was having some trouble paying back a payday loan. I told him that I would loan him the money to pay it off as long as he promised to never go back. I also told him that I wouldn’t charge him any interest. He took me on up that offer and although it may have taken a couple paydays, he always paid me back. Remember that it’s good to have mercy and patience!

From the Life Application Bible:

The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility toward the poor. God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. We should reflect God’s concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

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People who want to work from home and usually interested in real estate as well as keeping checks on insurance, in the absence of a refinance plan.