Wise and Wicked Borrowing

 “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” – Psalm 37:21

The recent controversial news of federal tax dollars paying down student loan debts has sparked a controversy of what is wise dealings in our personal finances. The complexities of macroeconomics in a nation as large and prosperous as the United States requires more skill than I can offer, but as a pastor I can and must open the Word of God in wise personal and household dealings for the Christian to live by.

The wicked takes out loans with such a carefree heart that the person has no intention to repay. Perhaps the loan is so great that the wicked borrower refuses to chart a course to repay to begin with, yet even if the wicked borrower had the funds repayment is refused. Taking advantage of the lender reveals the wicked as under God’s curse.

God requires His people to be wise in their dealings and just in both their lending and borrowing. The weight on the lender to not take advantage of borrowers with unjust financial injury is the very same weight upon the borrower not being unjust in their dealings to repay lenders. We tend to think of unjust lenders like Charles Dicken’s character Ebenezer Scrooge, but somehow our culture omits God’s wise commands upon borrowers to pay back in the wise, blessed life under His care.

The wise do not seek wealth by unjust gains, even if it means earthly prosperity. Whenever there is opportunity, the righteous is generous and a giver. The wise person may not have a stuffed wallet, but with deep charity in the heart the wise give a generous ear and fellowship. The wise is like the one healed Samaritan leper who turned back to Jesus and praised God loudly. The wicked is among the company of the world which Paul describes in Romans 1:21 having known God through His gracious workmanship, but refusing Him honor and thanksgiving. The wicked are takers, not givers.

Christian, the world is filled with takers withholding any thanksgiving toward God. Do not be surprised when such a world is foolish in their dealings with one another. Let such foolishness not be true of us. Rather, let God’s Word shed light on our dealings with others in wisdom.

Paul commands Christians to owe nothing but love to one another in the church (Romans 13:8). This means we have every intention to pay down our debts, wisely charting a course in our revenue to pay back what we owe. Yet, there is a debt which forever unpaid – love. There is the generous and giving heart of the righteous. We receive an everlasting, steadfast love of God who loved us first while we were still His enemies, and now we make payments of love for one another as a debt owed which will never be repaid; a debt we joyfully receive! Let us not be like the wicked borrower, taking love without any intention to repay. Rather, let love be genuine in the church of Jesus Christ, dispensed generously and joyfully without expectation of repayment (Luke 6:35).  

Dear follower of Christ, the Word of our wise God charts a course for wise living in our financial dealings just as in our love. When we borrow money for a car, mortgage for a home, and yes even college tuition, there is blessing in obeying the Lord to intend to repay. The Bible’s link of debts and our love for one another is not simply poetic, but rather deeply connected as God’s wise plan for the blessed health of His people. Living within our means is wise dealings for life which honors our God. Let us rejoice in His generous giving, especially of love. That precious currency of His love is one we will never outspend. He truly is good to us.

Heavenly Father, grant to us wisdom in our borrowing and spending. By Your generous hand, provide for us and our households. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Be glorified in Your generous and giving church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.