Text: Proverbs 22:1-16
When the Bible was written, a person who borrowed money literally became a slave, or they were imprisoned, if they failed to repay (Mat.18:34). And even if enslavement did not physically happen, the borrower is always afraid that he cannot repay, that he will he beaten, then he cannot sleep, he gets sick, he hides from the lender, lies to the lender, etc. And repayment always requires extra money (interest) to be given to the lender. Sometimes interest payable is very high. So, a poor man borrows from a second person in order to pay the first person. But then that second lender demands to be repaid, and also demands interest, the problem grows bigger, and the cycle never ends. Sometimes the borrower gambles, hoping to win “free” money to repay. But as we know, it is rare that someone wins big money in gambling. Sometimes the borrower steals to make money. And so the problem gets worse.
The easy answer is: Never borrow! Do not gamble! Do not steal! Only live
according to your earnings! These are easy things to say, but you must endeavor to stay away from debt. The best thing to do is get more work. Again, that’s easy to say, as life in Uganda is difficult. King Jesus Christ owns everything. So, He has His reasons for allowing poverty to come to you; hence, and only He has the deliverance from debt and provision for work. So, go to Him in constant prayer and work hard. If your poverty is due to sin, repent. Ask the Lord to deliver you. He will answer. The answer will not be easy, but do it.
Meditate on verse 7. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me to work hard and avoid un
necessary debts. Amen.