You asked

what modern lending practices might violate the spirit of these ancient protections for the vulnerable?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

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. How would he sleep? 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' (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai for the newly formed nation of Israel. It outlines fundamental ethical and social principles, emphasizing justice and compassion, particularly for the poor and vulnerable within the community.

How might our individual and collective financial choices today reflect or betray a concern for those most susceptible to economic hardship?

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Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:35-37
Further elaborates on the prohibition of charging interest to fellow Israelites, focusing on brotherly support.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20
Distinguishes between lending to a fellow Israelite (no interest) and lending to a foreigner (interest allowed).
Nehemiah 5:1-13
Shows a real-world example of Nehemiah confronting leaders who were charging excessive interest to the poor, leading to reform.

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