The Bible forbids usury, and we understand that to mean excess interest on a loan. That is true, but only a piece of the puzzle.

From a book I’m reading: “In pre-modern times men borrowed money only in emergencies; and the prohibitions were to prevent one man from lining his pockets with another man’s misery. What was forbidden was the cashing-in on the distress of a man who has been overtaken by calamity.”

Remember Henry Potter in “It’s A Wonderful Life”? He is an excellent example of one who practiced usury in all senses of the word. He charged too much interest and was more concerned with lining his pockets than the welfare of his clients. When George Bailey’s uncle misplaced the deposit, Potter gleefully ‘cashed-in’ on his distress.

As believers we must be careful to care for the widows and orphans and ALL who are in need. Watching out for only ourselves violates the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The next time you hear usury mentioned, remember - there’s more to it than money!