Danger of Debt

Bondage of the Debtor

What general rule is laid down in the Bible respecting the meeting of obligations?

“Give everyone what you owe him; if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13: 7,8.

In what condition is one who borrows?

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7.

To what extent is one responsible for that borrowed?

“If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, he must make restitution.” Exodus 22:14.

Why did the young man in Elisha’s time feel so concerned about the loss of an ax head?

“As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water. “Oh my lord,” he cried out, “it was borrowed.” 2 Kings 6:5.

What miracle did Elisha work for its restitution?

“The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.” Verse 6.

Business Discretion

How does the good man guide his affairs?

“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.” Psalm 112:5.

To what should those listen that lack business discretion?

“He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:18.

Note – It is wise for those who, from lack of natural business ability, find themselves constantly running into debt, to seek advice and counsel from those endowed with more wisdom in such matters.

Which of Christ’s parables teaches business discretion?

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to complete it. For id he lays a foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

Luke 14:28-30. 

How were means provided for building the tabernacle?

“Moses and the whole Israelite community, “This is what the Lord has commanded. From what you have, take an offering to the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; ram skins dried red and hides of sea cows, acacia wood; olive oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for fragrance incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastplate.” Exodus 35:4-9.  

What promises did David make for building the Temple?

“With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God – gold for the gold work, silver for the silver; bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as the onyx for the settings. Turquoise stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble – all of these in large quantities.” 1 Chronicles 29:2.

How did the people respond to his call for contributions?

“Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. Any one who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the Lord in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.” Verses 6-9. 

When King Jehoash wished to repair the Temple, what provisions did he make for raising the necessary means?

“Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the Lord – the money collected in the census, the money received from personal vows and the money brought voluntarily to the temple. Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, and let it be used to repair whatever damage is found in the temple.” 2 Kings 12:4,5.

After sixteen years, it was found that those repairs had not yet been made, what was done?

“Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid. He placed it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the temple of the Lord. The priests who guarded the entrance put into the chest all the money that was brought to the temple of the Lord.”

Verse 9. 

What was done with the money thus raised?

“When the amount had been determined, they gave the money to the man appointed to supervise the work on the temple. With it they had paid those who had worked on the temple of the Lord – the carpenters and builders.” Verse 9.

Note – These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed; the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this pan is excellent one to follow.

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