Interest

The “harsh” master who expects interest and reaps what he did not sow (Matthew 25:24 ,Matthew 25:24,25:26-27; Luke 19:21-23 ) is hardly to be taken as a model for Christian business practice. Luke's parable in particular contains reminiscences of the hated Archelaus (Luke 19:12 ,Luke 19:12,19:14; compare Matthew 2:22 ). See Matthew 5:42; Matthew 10:8 ).

Many commentators feel compelled to defend the common, contemporary practice of charging interest. Any moral decision on the matter must carefully weigh rival claims: (1) that capital loaned at interest provides an opportunity for persons to escape poverty and (2) that the inability of both individuals and nations to pay interest on borrowed capital contributes to continued poverty. See Banking; Loan .