How does Ezekiel 18:8 guide us in practicing financial integrity today? The Verse in Focus “ He does not lend at usury or take interest; he withholds his hand from injustice and executes true justice between man and man.” (Ezekiel 18:8) Key Principles Drawn from Ezekiel 18:8 • Reject exploitative gain—no charging excessive interest or manipulating the vulnerable • Keep hands clean—refuse bribes, kickbacks, shady fees, or any hidden advantage • Practice active justice—step in to mediate fairly when money is involved • Value people over profit—measure success by faithfulness, not by accumulation • Cultivate restraint—contentment guards the heart from grasping after dishonest gain Putting It Into Practice Today • Personal finances – Set transparent terms when you loan money to family or friends – Pay debts promptly; avoid piling on interest-bearing credit when unnecessary • Business dealings – Price goods and services honestly, without exploiting market desperation – Write contracts that serve both parties, not just your bottom line • Lending and borrowing – If you lend, do it to help, not to bind; if you borrow, intend to repay fully (Romans 13:8) – Offer counsel, not pressure, to those seeking loans • Advocacy – Support policies and ministries that fight predatory lending – Volunteer skills to teach budgeting and responsible stewardship in your church or community Supporting Passages That Echo Ezekiel 18:8 • Psalm 15:5—“Who lends money without interest … He who does these things will never be shaken.” • Proverbs 11:1—“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • Luke 19:8—Zacchaeus models restitution after financial wrongdoing. • 2 Corinthians 8:21—“We are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” • 1 Timothy 6:6–10—Warnings against the love of money Heart Check: Motivations Behind Financial Choices • Do my transactions reflect love for neighbor? • Am I guarding against greed by celebrating God’s provision? • Would I be comfortable if every deal I made were publicly disclosed? • Is generosity shaping my budget more than self-indulgence? Accountability and Community • Invite a trusted believer to review major financial decisions with you. • Regularly testify to God’s faithfulness when integrity costs you something. • Model for younger believers that honest, measured stewardship brings lasting blessing (Proverbs 13:11). |
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