The Struggles of Debt in the Bible
The Bible is clear on the matter of debt, especially when it comes to the thoughtless use of debt and its potential to harm those around us. From Old Testament references to specific debt laws, to New Testament descriptions of the consequences of debt, it’s clear that debt should be avoided and managed carefully.
Debt, or owing someone money or goods as a form of payment, has been around for thousands of years. In fact, Roman law and the Code of Hammurabi included laws about debt. In the Bible, we see debt mentioned in different contexts, from the Israelites being enslaved to the Egyptians to the experiences of the early Christian church.
The Old Testament loves the metaphor of being in debt. In Exodus, God delivers the Israelites from slavery by coming down from heaven and wiping away their debt to Pharaoh. Later, in Deuteronomy, we read about how God “wiped away” the debt of the Israelites for their sins.
But the Old Testament isn’t completely positive about debt. The book of Proverbs warns against the dangers of debt. It cautions us against borrowing money or waiting too long to pay it back, and it calls out those who lend money at an excessive interest rate. In the Old Testament, debt is still seen as something to be avoided, even though it was a common practice in the ancient world.
We also see debt and its consequences in the New Testament. In Luke, Jesus talks about debt among his followers, giving the famous advice to “pay what you owe” and not to “owe no one anything”. We also see debt referenced in the parable of the talents and the parable of the unforgiving servant, where debt and the consequences of not paying it back were used to teach lessons.
In the New Testament, debt is seen as a form of bondage, with those in debt being likened to slaves. Paul also talks about debt in terms of being morally responsible for our actions. He warns us not to let debt become a burden and to make sure that we manage our debt wisely by paying off what we owe.
Debt and Poverty in the Bible
The Bible has a lot to say about poverty and debt. One of the main themes in the Bible is that debt and poverty are intertwined, so what we do with our finances will directly impact how we treat those who are less fortunate.
The Old Testament has numerous passages that call out those who use money or their power to oppress people in poverty. It also emphasizes the importance of giving to the poor, which includes forgiving debts. Proverbs says “the rich should forgive the debts of the poor,” and Leviticus calls upon everyone to be generous with their possessions and to lend without interest, in order to help those in need.
The New Testament also talks about poverty and debt, with Jesus frequently speaking of the importance of helping those in need. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches his followers to be generous and to care for those who are less privileged. Jesus also calls for people to practice economic justice, by freeing those held in debt bondage and distributing resources equitably.
What Debt Teaches Us
Throughout the Bible, debt is used to teach us about generosity, self-control, and economic justice. We are reminded to be generous with our resources, and to use our money responsibly.
Debt can also be used to teach us about the dangers of materialism, since it can easily lead to overspending and a lack of financial discipline. The Bible calls on us to not let money become an idol, remembering that it is a tool to be handled carefully.
These lessons from the Bible are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. In an era of consumerism, debt is easy to accumulate, and those in debt can easily find themselves weighed down by their financial obligations. It’s important to remember the lessons from the Bible about the dangers of debt, and to use these lessons to guide our decisions when it comes to our finances.
Wise Financial Management in the Bible
Debt clearly has a negative connotation in the Bible, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for wise financial management. In Proverbs, there is a strong emphasis on planning and wise investing. It advises us to save money and use it wisely, so that our investments will bear fruit. It also encourages us to be thrifty and not to spend beyond our means.
We also see financial wisdom in the New Testament. In the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches us to use our resources for the benefit of ourselves and others. He encourages us to think about how our actions can help those around us, and to not be afraid of taking risks if it can benefit others.
The Meaning of Debt in the Bible
The Bible has a lot to teach us about debt, and it’s clear that it does not approve of those who use debt to their own advantage, or those who mishandle their finances. But debt can also be an important tool when it’s used responsibly and in a way that helps those in need.
The Bible also links debt with moral and spiritual lessons. This includes the lesson of treating others with compassion and generosity, of using our resources wisely and of recognizing our responsibility to look after those who struggle financially. In the end, debt is a reminder of our need to be mindful of our finances, and to use money responsibly.
