Ezekiel 18:13
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
يأخُذُ رِباً وَرِبحاً زائِداً. أفَيحيا ذَلِكَ الإنسانُ؟ لا بَلْ يَمُوتُ. فَلِأنَّهُ عَمِلَ كُلَّ هَذِهِ الخَطايا الكَرِيهَةِ، يَنْبَغِي أنْ يَمُوتَ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel says that a person who charges excessive interest on loans and takes unfair gains will not be allowed to live. God considers these actions abominations and says the person will surely die, taking responsibility for their own actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a lemonade stand, and your friend borrows money from you to buy lemons. But you ask for so much money back that it's not fair to your friend. The Bible says that if you do this and other bad things, you're responsible for your actions and won't be treated fairly.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this around 593-571 BCE. He was addressing the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. At that time, charging interest was common but had strict regulations, and violating them was seen as a serious sin.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse reminds us that unethical financial practices, like predatory lending or taking advantage of others, are wrong. It's important to treat others fairly and take responsibility for our actions.
Topics
justiceresponsibilitymoralityfinancial ethicsconsequencesfairness
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'usury' mean in this context?
Usury refers to charging excessive interest on a loan. In ancient times, it was considered a form of exploitation and was strictly regulated by religious laws.
Why is taking unfair gains considered so serious?
Taking unfair gains is seen as exploiting others and violating moral and ethical standards. It's considered a grave sin because it shows a lack of care and compassion for others.
Does this verse apply to modern financial practices?
Yes, it applies to any practice where someone takes advantage of another person for financial gain, reminding us to act ethically and responsibly.
What does 'his blood shall be upon him' mean?
This phrase means the person is responsible for their own actions and will face the consequences, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility.