Debt The Mosaic law encouraged the practice of lending (Deuteronomy 15:7; Psalms 37:26; Matthew 5:42); but it forbade the exaction of interest except from foreigners. Usury was strongly condemned (Proverbs 28:8; Ezekiel 18:8, Ezekiel 1:18, Ezekiel 1:18; Ezekiel 1:22; Psalms 15:5). On the Sabbatical year all pecuniary obligations were cancelled (Deuteronomy 15:1-11). These regulations prevented the accumulation of debt.