Zero Interest
1 Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart— 3 who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor, 4 who despises the one rejected by the Lord but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost, 5 who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent— the one who does these things will never be moved.
Psalm 15:1-5 HCSB
This Psalm presents the description of the godly. When it comes to money two characteristics are listed:
They don't lend money at interest
They don't take bribes to pervert justice
According to Deuteronomy23:19-10 NLT the old testament law required: 19 “Do not charge interest on the loans you make to a fellow Israelite, whether you loan money, or food, or anything else. 20 You may charge interest to foreigners, but you may not charge interest to Israelites, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you do in the land you are about to enter and occupy." Also in Exodus 23:8 NLT the Israelites are told, “Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe makes even a righteous person twist the truth."
However, this Psalm seems to be suggesting that a godly person goes beyond the requirements of the law, and deal equitably with all people.
Does this mean that Christians should never charge interest? Not necessarily. Many interpret the type of interest in this Psalm as usury, and define it as excessive interest. I like some of Randy Alcorns comments on the topic "It appears charging interest isn’t wrong per se. It might be appropriate for lending institutions, but not for individuals if they’re loaning to fellow believers to help meet their needs. If interest is charged, perhaps it should no more than the current inflation rate. There’s a time to lend, a time to give, and a time to do neither. If the need isn’t legitimate, I shouldn’t give or lend. If the need’s legitimate, not the result of an unwise choice in which there’s a lesson to be learned, I might give. If, on the other hand, the need is real but a gift would contribute to someone’s irresponsibility or loss of dignity, lending may be best. (https://www.patheos.com/blogs/randyalcorn/2022/10/lending-money-interest/ )"
Regardless, Christians ought to lend with out expectation of repayment (Luke 6:34-35).