S) "7 The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave."
Proverbs 22:7 (NASB)
O) There are two principles at work in this verse. On the surface, this may seem like an endorsement to pursue riches, but I really don't think it is. At the beginning of this chapter, and the beginning of the next, Solomon is giving warnings about wealth, that it is not at all a top pursuit. On the other hand, he declares over and over, that righteousness, wisdom, a good name, and the fear of the LORD should all be pursued over riches. It is only a statement of reality, that rich people have power, and in that power they rule over the poor. However, to have a ruler is not necessarily a bad thing. To have an evil ruler is certainly grievous, but to have a righteous ruler can be a real joy. Similarly, being poor does not need to be any real problem. Jesus warned against being wealthy, and throughout the Bible God has a heart for the poor, over and over. Indeed, if being poor humbles a person, to realize their need for God, then He is glorified and that is very good. The second line, however, has a very strong warning against borrowing money. This probably much more figurative today, than it was then, but it still has very practical meaning.
A) Debt has been a sword of Damocles over my head, on more than one occasion. Even right now, I have a few thousand dollars of debt, and that debt has influenced how I live. Because I have steep monthly payments, I have been unable to do things I wanted to do. I have been bound to repay that debt, and it still feels like a burden. In Christ, my spiritual debts are paid for me by His mercy and grace. However, in Christ especially, I have a responsibility to repay my financial debts. God does not want me bound, or enslaved, to anyone or anything, except as a bondservant to Him alone. If I have debts, then I am not able to be as devoted, as loyal so-to-speak, to God and His work. In a sense, this is the same as what Jesus warned against. If a man cannot serve both God and money, but I have debts of money, then I am in part working to serve that debt, that money. I am repentant for the carelessness involved in acquiring this debt. Even still, I need to repay it responsibly, not only because of my own reputation, but more importantly for the name of Christ. If I bear His name, and I act irresponsibly, then I am casting a pall on His glory in the eyes of men. So, I have a mind and determination, to repay these debts as soon as possible. I have in mind, to be a slave to no one but Christ.
A) Debt has been a sword of Damocles over my head, on more than one occasion. Even right now, I have a few thousand dollars of debt, and that debt has influenced how I live. Because I have steep monthly payments, I have been unable to do things I wanted to do. I have been bound to repay that debt, and it still feels like a burden. In Christ, my spiritual debts are paid for me by His mercy and grace. However, in Christ especially, I have a responsibility to repay my financial debts. God does not want me bound, or enslaved, to anyone or anything, except as a bondservant to Him alone. If I have debts, then I am not able to be as devoted, as loyal so-to-speak, to God and His work. In a sense, this is the same as what Jesus warned against. If a man cannot serve both God and money, but I have debts of money, then I am in part working to serve that debt, that money. I am repentant for the carelessness involved in acquiring this debt. Even still, I need to repay it responsibly, not only because of my own reputation, but more importantly for the name of Christ. If I bear His name, and I act irresponsibly, then I am casting a pall on His glory in the eyes of men. So, I have a mind and determination, to repay these debts as soon as possible. I have in mind, to be a slave to no one but Christ.
P) Father, forgive me for acquiring debts. I want to honor Your name, and do nothing to compromise my devotion to You. Help me walk in contentment and trust, especially regarding my finances and materialism. Help me to live modestly, as I work fervently to repay this debt I have. Help me to not blame-shift or complain, and instead let me take responsibility and walk in obedience. Lead me to repay this wisely, and to work honorably, that I may give You glory with all my actions. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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