Topical Encyclopedia Debt, in biblical terms, refers to the obligation to repay borrowed money or goods. The Bible addresses the concept of debt in various contexts, providing guidance on how it should be approached and managed. The scriptures emphasize principles of responsibility, integrity, and compassion in financial dealings.Old Testament Teachings 1. Prohibition of Interest Among Israelites: The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding lending and borrowing among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and fairness, especially towards the poor. 2. Sabbatical Year and Debt Release: Deuteronomy 15:1-2 introduces the concept of the Sabbatical Year, a time when debts were to be forgiven: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." This practice was intended to prevent perpetual poverty and economic oppression. 3. Warnings Against Surety: Proverbs offers wisdom on the dangers of becoming surety, or guaranteeing another's debt. Proverbs 22:26-27 advises, "Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" This caution highlights the risks associated with co-signing loans. New Testament Teachings 1. The Lord’s Prayer and Forgiveness of Debts: In the New Testament, the concept of debt is often used metaphorically to describe sin and forgiveness. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:12 , "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This reflects the spiritual principle of forgiving others as God forgives us. 2. Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Jesus further illustrates the importance of mercy in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In Matthew 18:23-35 , a servant who is forgiven a great debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The parable concludes with a warning about the consequences of failing to show mercy. 3. Paul’s Teachings on Debt: The Apostle Paul advises believers to avoid unnecessary debt. In Romans 13:8 , he writes, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This instruction emphasizes the priority of love and the fulfillment of the law through loving relationships. Principles for Managing Debt 1. Responsibility and Integrity: The Bible encourages responsible management of finances and integrity in fulfilling obligations. Psalm 37:21 states, "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving." This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked with the righteous, who are characterized by generosity and faithfulness. 2. Contentment and Avoidance of Excessive Debt: Scripture advises contentment and warns against the dangers of excessive debt. Hebrews 13:5 exhorts, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This teaching encourages reliance on God’s provision rather than accumulating debt out of discontent. 3. Generosity and Helping Others: The Bible also calls for generosity and helping those in need. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus says, "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back." This teaching promotes a spirit of generosity and selflessness. The biblical perspective on debt encompasses both practical and spiritual dimensions, urging believers to act with wisdom, compassion, and integrity in all financial matters. Nave's Topical Index Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. Nave's Topical Index Library The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... The Tome of St. Leo. The Debt of Iren??us to Justin Martyr On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism The General Conference of 1836 An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 The General Conference of 1820 Resources If you have a lot of debt, can you temporarily stop tithing while paying off the debt? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.org What is the Shemitah? | GotQuestions.org Debt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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