5389 lending

Freely giving the temporary use of property or possessions at no personal advantage. Scripture lays down conditions for lending and emphasises the responsibilities that it brings.

The motivation for lending

Generosity Ps 37:25-26 See also Dt 15:11; Pr 3:27-28; Mt 5:42

Pity Dt 15:7-8 See also Lev 25:35-36; Mk 14:7

Not necessarily expecting repayment Lk 6:34-36

The dangers of lending

Domination Pr 22:7 See also Dt 15:6; Dt 28:12-13,43-44; Ne 5:4-5

Loss Ex 22:14; 2Ki 6:5; Isa 24:1-2

Exploitation Lev 25:36-37

Usury Ex 22:25 See also Dt 23:19; Ps 15:5; Eze 18:8,12-13

Safeguards for the lender

Under the old covenant Ex 22:14 This specific case probably represents a general principle of restitution governing all kinds of lending.

Under the new covenant Lk 6:30-31

Generosity may be risky but brings its reward Pr 19:17 See also Ps 112:5; Mt 5:7

Jesus Christ was lent a donkey

Mt 21:3 pp Mk 11:3 pp Lk 19:31; Lk 19:34

See also