Extortion

Extortion is the act of obtaining something (money or material objects) by using force or threats. This can include activities such as blackmail or kidnapping for ransom, where the objective is to prevent a negative action by the person committing the extortion. It is comparable to coercion, which aims to influence or alter another's actions by compelling them to do something they prefer not to do. Both actions infringe upon individual free will to produce a specific response.

The Bible speaks of those motivated by greed and self-interest and having no regard for the person being defrauded. Such callous people who take things by force, threat, or deception, will not inherit eternal life (Eccl 7:7; 1 Cor 5:10, 6:10). Currently, unethical lenders, often referred to as ‘loan sharks,’ provide loans at excessively high interest rates to individuals in urgent need, despite the lack of a clear repayment plan. This practice can lead to threats of violence and subsequent criminal activities as borrowers attempt to settle their debts. Although the Bible warns about the downsides of debt, it does not prohibit all money lending or borrowing or the charging of interest. Not everyone who loans money is an extortionist. However, even if no extortion or excessive interest is involved the Bible states, “The borrower is a slave to the lender…For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils …” (Prov 22:7; 1 Tim 6:10).

Those who followed the principles John the Baptist was teaching were advised to demonstrate actions that aligned with their repentance. For tax collectors, this involved not collecting more money than required. For soldiers, it meant avoiding extortion, not making false accusations, and being satisfied with their pay (Lk 3:8,13,14). God voiced

Does my lifestyle relect that of a true believer?

displeasure with those who charged excessive interest and made unjust gain by extortion extortion (Ezek 22:12,29).