The Mosaic law encouraged the practice of lending ( Deuteronomy 15:7 ; Psalms 37:26 ; Matthew 5:42 ); but it forbade the exaction of interest except from foreigners. Usury was strongly condemned ( Proverbs 28:8 ; Ezekiel 18:8 Ezekiel 18:13 Ezekiel 18:17 ; 22:12 ; Psalms 15:5 ). On the Sabbatical year all pecuniary obligations were cancelled ( Deuteronomy 15:1-11 ). These regulations prevented the accumulation of debt.

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.