You asked

what responsibilities do we have as individuals or societies to ensure lending practices don't strip people of necessities?

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 legal section in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It outlines ethical guidelines for their society, including how they should treat each other economically and socially.

How might our communities balance supporting those in need with the practicalities of economic exchange?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:35-37
This passage also prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites, emphasizing support for the poor among them.
Nehemiah 5:1-12
Describes how Nehemiah addressed the injustice of excessive interest leading to the loss of lands and freedom among the poor.
Luke 6:34-35
Jesus encourages lending without expecting repayment, challenging conventional economic logic from a perspective of radical generosity.

Ask your own follow-up