In what ways can Leviticus 25:50 guide our treatment of others financially? Context of Leviticus 25:50 “ ‘He shall calculate with the one who bought him the time from the year he sold himself up to the Year of Jubilee. The price of his sale shall be based on the number of years, according to the daily wages of a hired hand.’ ” • God’s law required that a debtor sold into servitude could never be charged more than a fair, pro-rated amount. • The calculation guarded dignity and prevented exploitation, reflecting God’s heart for justice (cf. Deuteronomy 24:14-15). Timeless Principles Wrapped in Ancient Law • Debt is never to strip a person of God-given worth. • Financial dealings must be transparent and measurable. • Economic power is limited by moral responsibility; Jubilee served as a reset (Leviticus 25:10). Commitment to Fair Valuation • No inflated prices or hidden fees—set terms that match real value, just as redemption price matched remaining years. • When hiring or contracting work, pay equitable wages promptly (James 5:4). • Adjust charges when circumstances change, mirroring the verse’s yearly recalculation. Protecting Against Exploitation • Refuse to profit from another’s desperation; Leviticus 25:35-37 forbids charging interest to the poor. • Offer pathways to freedom, not perpetual bondage—modeling Christ, who cancels our debt (Colossians 2:14). • Prioritize relationships over revenue; people are fellow servants of God, not commodities. Treating People Above Profits • Budget generosity, leaving “gleanings” for those in need (Leviticus 19:9-10). • Forgive reasonable debts when hardship strikes, echoing Matthew 6:12. • Invest in others’ flourishing—mentoring, fair loans, job training—reflecting the servant’s hope of Jubilee. Practical Steps for Today • Draft contracts in plain language; review them together so all parties understand. • Set interest rates that cover risk without burdening the borrower. • Schedule regular check-ins to reassess terms if circumstances shift. • Capitalize business growth ethically, avoiding predatory pricing or wage suppression. • Give back a percentage of profit to community relief, mirroring Sabbath-year mercy. Supporting Passages • Proverbs 11:1 — “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD…” • Luke 6:31 — “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” • 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 — “Your abundance at the present time should supply their need…” Financial decisions become an act of worship when guided by these truths, honoring God and blessing our neighbors with justice, mercy, and integrity. |
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