A Divine Perspective on Debt

I don’t market myself as a financial guru or anything like that. Let’s be clear on that. That’s not me.

Yet, I am clear on my calling to preach and teach the Word of God.

And God’s Word is clear on where He stands on the debate about debt.

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave of the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

Proverbs 22:7

God Stated His Intent

God stated that He would bless Israel “as he promised” in Deuteronomy 15:6.

God did not stutter. He did not beat around the bush.

He was straightforward and straight up, straight out telling the people how He intended to keep His promise and bless them.

He positioned them, stating that they would “lend to many nations. . . rule over many nations. . .” in Deuteronomy 15:6.

He warned them against debt. He said: “you shall not borrow” in the same verse.

He went so far as to say that other nations “shall not rule over you” in that verse, too.

How Did Things Go Wrong?

The Israelites had strayed from God’s plan for them. They had increased their debts among each other to the point of enslavement of one another. We see it in Jeremiah chapter 34 as God is seeking to fulfill his prophecy among His people. We see it when Nehemiah is seeking to rebuild the destroyed walls. Even the widow from among the “sons of the prophet” pleaded with Elisha to help her for her two sons not be taken away by the creditors. We see how debt, even among one’s own people, caused conflict and corruption among those with the upper hand.

God Wants Better For Us

Rich will rule over the poor. The borrower will serve as slave to the lender. These are the predictable outcomes of indebtedness.

The same God who promised to bless His people also warned His people as He sought to prevent them from the effects of debt. The outcome of debt is enslavement.

Look at how Jesus Ethics posts explore the topic. Consider what God had already said to His people.

Read what Solomon says in Proverbs about becoming a “slave to lender.”

Get Out of Debt

There’s a lot of talk about what Biden has introduced on student loan debt forgiveness. Then, there is plenty to understand about why Christians should not be involved in such matters due to their stewardship.

Don’t get to judging others so quickly.

The words of Paul to the believers in Rome are pretty clear that we all have fallen short and missed the mark of righteousness and holiness.

Get out of the trap of scarcity and see His ability to supply our needs.

Watch the YouTube video I have linked here and use the resources available to you to get out of debt and to be free to enjoy the abundance of God’s blessings.