Claude says:

I'll help clarify what the Bible says about usury.

**Usury** in biblical terms refers to charging interest on loans, particularly to the poor.

**Old Testament:**

- **Exodus 22:25** - Prohibits charging interest to poor Israelites

- **Leviticus 25:35-37** - Forbids taking interest from fellow Israelites in need

- **Deuteronomy 23:19-20** - No interest on loans to fellow Israelites, but allowed for foreigners

- **Ezekiel 18:8, 13** - Condemns charging interest as wicked

**New Testament:**

- **Luke 6:35** - "Lend, expecting nothing in return"

- Less explicit prohibition, more emphasis on generosity

**Historical interpretation:**

The prohibition was primarily about exploiting the poor, not commercial lending. Medieval Christianity banned all interest-charging, but this evolved as economies became more complex. Modern interpretations often distinguish between:

- **Exploitative lending** (what the Bible condemns)

- **Fair interest** for commercial purposes

Islamic finance still maintains strict usury (riba) prohibitions today.