Dealing With Debts According to the Bible

Amidst the financial struggle these days, more and more people are trying to find solace in their Faith. It is just logical to seek answers to your predicaments in the Bible. This Holy Book contains much wisdom on how to deal with various difficulties in life. Does it contain answers regarding debts too? Can you find enlightenment within the pages of the Bible?

The answer is, yes. If you are troubled and you no longer know where to turn to, go through the calming words that are written in the Bible. Within its pages, you might not find literal answers to your financial queries but you will have a new found strength to be able to resolve your financial problems.

Will you be persecuted because of debts?

The Bible does not state that having debts is a sin. It does not even imply that you will receive penalties for having those. The Bible talks more about lending. This is according to the Christian way of living where one shares blessing to the needy. There are direct verses which pertain to lenders but not to debtors. These can be read in the Law of Moses.

• Lenders should not demand for excessive interest. Better yet, there should be no interest, as some rabbis interpret it (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:27; Deuteronomy 23:19-20).
• There are also restrictions when it comes to possessing collateral because of unpaid debts (Deuteronomy 24:10-11).
• Every seventh year, there will be an opportunity for cancellation of debts (Deuteronomy 15:1-2).

You may not face penalties if you are in debt. However, the Bible also states that if a man makes a pledge both to the lord and to an oath, this should be fulfilled (Numbers 30:2).

What are the words of Jesus about debts?

The Bible provides little about what Jesus has to say about debts. There is a parable in Matthew 18 wherein Jesus narrated about a man who is in great debt. This man was forgiven of his debts. However, he went after those who owed him and demanded for their payment. He was punished by the man who let him borrow not because he had credit but because he did not forgive the debts of other people.

Being in debt is not a sin. It is the inability to deliver payments to your debts that is unacceptable. If you gave your promise to the person who allowed you to borrow and you bound yourself with an oath, it is just right to make sure that the promise is fulfilled.

How do you deal with debts?

The key is to avoid having debts. The Christian way of living is to know how much you have and living a life that fits this. You should not be driven by envy and desire, making you spend more than what you should.

There are Christian debt counselors who will help you figure out how you can resolve your financial burden. This is not just about coming up with a concrete game plan about money matters. You will also learn how to let your Faith guide you so you can permanently eliminate financial trouble.