You asked

what practical ways can communities apply the principle of not profiting from the poor today?

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

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

“You shall not lend on interest to your brother: interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest. To a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.”

This passage is part of a longer collection of laws and instructions given to the ancient Israelite community as they prepared to enter the promised land. It comes from the book of Deuteronomy, presented as Moses' farewell addresses, reinforcing ethical and social obligations within the covenant community.

What systems or practices in our communities might unintentionally put burdens on those who are already struggling financially?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:35-37
This passage also prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites in need, emphasizing mutual support.
Luke 6:34-35
Jesus encourages lending without expecting repayment, challenging the community to radical generosity.
Nehemiah 5:1-11
Nehemiah confronts Jewish leaders for charging exorbitant interest to their own people during a time of famine.

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