What does "the wicked borrow and do not repay" teach about financial integrity? The Setting and the Verse Psalm 37 compares two paths: the way of those who disregard God and the way of those who delight in Him. Verse 21 sharpens that contrast in the area of money: “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.” Why Unpaid Debt Is Called “Wicked” • Breaking trust—borrowing implies a promise to return. Failing to repay is breaking one’s word (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:5). • Stealing in slow motion—what was taken temporarily becomes permanent without the owner’s consent (Exodus 20:15). • Despising God’s order—God created economic relationships to run on honesty (Leviticus 19:35–36). Ignoring that design is rebellion. • Hurting neighbors—the lender bears the loss; love of neighbor is violated (Romans 13:10). The Righteous Alternative • “Gracious and giving” captures an entirely different spirit: – Honors commitments promptly (Psalm 15:4). – Eager to share, not merely to square accounts (Proverbs 3:27–28). – Sees money as God’s tool for blessing others (2 Corinthians 9:6–8). • Financial integrity, therefore, is more than avoiding theft; it is active generosity. Supporting Scriptures on Paying What Is Owed • Proverbs 22:7—“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” • Romans 13:8—“Be indebted to no one except to one another in love.” • Leviticus 25:14—honest dealings commanded. • Matthew 5:37—“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes.’” • Luke 16:10—faithfulness in little reveals fitness for greater trust. Principles for Today’s Believer 1. Debt is a promise; treat it as sacred. 2. Budget with repayment in view before taking a loan. 3. Communicate quickly if circumstances hinder payment; hiding is dishonest. 4. Pay timely—even early—whenever possible; it protects your testimony (1 Thessalonians 4:12). 5. Cultivate generosity; giving loosens greed’s grip and mirrors God’s heart. Fruit of Financial Integrity • Clear conscience before God (Acts 24:16). • Credibility before people, opening doors for witness (Matthew 5:16). • Freedom from the bondage of unpaid obligations (Proverbs 22:7). • Participation in God’s generous nature—“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In short, Psalm 37:21 calls believers to honor every financial promise and to go beyond mere repayment into active, grace-filled generosity. |
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