Definition: Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 23:20. It's a really important and complex passage about fairness and responsibility. Here's what it means in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that it's okay to lend money to someone who isn’t your brother, but you absolutely must not lend them money with high interest (usury). It emphasizes that lending money should always be done with a focus on the Lord God and to ensure he blesses you. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury…” – This means you can lend money to someone who isn't your brother, but with a very high interest rate (usury). "Usury" is essentially charging more than the official legal interest rate for lending. “…but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury:” – This is the crucial part! You must not lend money to your brother with usury. It's a direct prohibition. “That the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” – This is where it gets really important about responsibility and God’s blessing. It means: "When you travel or settle in a new place, you must be responsible and act with integrity and fairness." “Settest thine hand to” means you must take action; you have a duty. “Bless thee” speaks to God's favor and reward for righteous behavior. So, what’s the overall message? It’s about fairness, responsibility, and honoring God. The verse is a warning against greed and dishonesty when dealing with money. It highlights that God values those who are honest and treat others fairly. It's a reminder to be mindful of your actions and to prioritize God’s blessing in all you do, both personally and in your dealings with others. In simpler terms: Don't take advantage of people by charging them too much interest; always act honestly and responsibly, especially when it comes to money. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a real-world example of how this principle applies?