Psalm 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
This passage of scripture strikes at the very root of most of our financial problems, as a nation and as individuals, and it has to do with the system of borrowing money in order to live and do business. The system of borrowing funds is not based upon godly principles, because the Bible warns us in several passages that it is not for our best good, and should be avoided as far as possible. It is true that there are certain material benefits that do accrue when money is lent or borrowed, and repaid in a timely manner, but the downside of the system itself, often greatly outweighs the benefits, for it is a fact that it can become a deadly cycle that traps its victims in insurmountable debt.
Our financial house of cards is stacked in a very precarious manner, and it just takes a violent headwind by the huffing and puffing of the dragon, to blow it all down. Here in America, the average Joe is allowed to borrow money from banks and other financial institutions, and then the banks in turn borrow from each other and the federal government, and then the Feds fall into the same trap and are found borrowing from the Chinese and other institutional investors, who then borrow again from the people. And so we find ourselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of debt, by which we are enabled to live as it were in a dream, spending and procuring things we don't need and cannot really afford, whilst digging ourselves deeper and deeper in the mire, to the point where our financial house of cards will one day totter on the brink of financial ruin. It was to prevent this death spiral that God gave us the following instructions. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 15:5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. 6 For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
One of the ways in which this snare can be avoided is by implementing two godly principles in every financial decision or action, and they are: (1) Replenishing that which has been expended as quickly as possible, and (2) Living within the limits of our income. Many Christians fall into the snare of spending, without a plan to replenish, and it's only after the fact, that we realize that a hole was made with no plan to refill it. A very good idea to put into practice when going shopping, is to sit down first and make a list of our needs, being sure to keep our expenditures within stipulated budget limits, so as not to overrun in cost, that which we did not cater for.
But to go shopping with a blank check, with no prior planning, and with no set limits is a snare of the devil, and will certainly drag us down to the pit through spontaneity and a lack of self control. Whenever the latter plan is followed, we can be lured into buying that which we do not really need, or which could be put off for a later date, and if the habit is left to run its natural course, the sure result is that our financial house of cards will come tumbling down, and like the proverbial Humpty Dumpty, we may never be able to put it back together again.
Let us therefore be careful to follow the rules of engagement as it pertains to our inflows and outflows as are written in God's word, for it was never God's will that His people be trapped in debt, but if we are humble and willing enough, He will enable us to recover ourselves from the snares of the devil, by subjecting us to a rigorous course of remedial actions. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to seek God's help wherever it is applicable, and may we ever be willing to be led and taught of The Lord. Let's read:
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!