Exodus 22:25-27
““If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest. If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sunset; for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.””
This passage is part of the 'Book of the Covenant' in Exodus, a collection of laws given by God to the newly freed Israelites, shortly after their escape from slavery in Egypt. These laws outline how they are to live together in their new society, emphasizing justice and care for the vulnerable within their community.
How might financial systems be designed today to uphold the dignity and basic needs of those in precarious situations?