Borrowing, the act of receiving something of value with the intention of returning it or its equivalent, is a concept addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on the principles and attitudes that should govern borrowing, emphasizing integrity, responsibility, and the avoidance of unnecessary debt.

1. Responsibility and Integrity in Borrowing: The Bible underscores the importance of fulfilling one's obligations when borrowing. Psalm 37:21 states, "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving." This verse highlights the moral obligation to repay borrowed items or money, contrasting the behavior of the wicked with that of the righteous, who are characterized by their generosity and integrity.

2. Avoidance of Excessive Debt: Proverbs 22:7 warns of the dangers of becoming enslaved by debt: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb serves as a caution against excessive borrowing, which can lead to a loss of freedom and autonomy, placing the borrower under the control of the lender.

3. Guidance on Lending and Borrowing: The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions regarding lending and borrowing among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command reflects a spirit of compassion and fairness, ensuring that lending practices do not exploit the vulnerable.

4. Generosity and Compassion: The New Testament encourages believers to adopt a generous and compassionate attitude towards those in need. In Matthew 5:42 , Jesus instructs, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." This teaching emphasizes the importance of being willing to help others, reflecting the love and generosity that should characterize Christian conduct.

5. Prudence and Planning: While the Bible encourages generosity, it also advocates for prudence and careful planning in financial matters. Luke 14:28 advises, "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?" This principle can be applied to borrowing, suggesting that individuals should carefully consider their ability to repay before taking on debt.

6. Trust in God's Provision: The Scriptures remind believers to trust in God's provision rather than relying solely on borrowing. Philippians 4:19 assures, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This promise encourages reliance on God's faithfulness and provision, fostering a spirit of contentment and trust.

In summary, the Bible provides a balanced perspective on borrowing, advocating for responsible and ethical behavior, cautioning against the dangers of excessive debt, and encouraging a spirit of generosity and trust in God's provision.Exodus 22:14,15
And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
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Nehemiah 5:1-13
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
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Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.
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Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
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Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.
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An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... myself on the cold ground, and borrowing clothes to ... a deep-rooted prejudice against
the General Conference and ... and well read in the sacred Scriptures, were by ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

Chapter iv.
... first preachers, as stated in our Scriptures (not in ... These letters, without borrowing
from the history, or the ... he underwent not only agrees in general with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... not found in the canonical Scriptures, they combine ... probably rather appeals to the
general tone and ... places shall be desolate." Judah, borrowing his language ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... The Gentiles are "without hope." The Scriptures of truth which ... There is no "borrowing"
in the matter ... This is not a "general judgment." That fact that there are ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... each of them be diligently examined concerning his method ... Question 1. What general
method of employing our time ... meditate, pray, and read the Scriptures, with Mr ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Preface by the Editor.
... Henderson, in preaching before the General Assembly at ... The sacred scriptures are
the Christian teacher's treasury ... instance, when we find him borrowing from Plato ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.htm

Chapter iv
... However, one general region alone saw him; that was ... able definitely to say which
group did the borrowing. ... will make when they seek to discredit the Scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... for thou hast the study of the Scriptures for thy ... also corporeal terms in order that,
by borrowing expressions which are ... it must be used in a general sense, to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... and they read their sacred Scriptures together, and ... Nor, concerning these matters,
would intelligent report speak ... No general persecution of the Christians was ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
... of the method led to its general adoption in ... which enabled him to derive from Scriptures
which otherwise ... How far, however, he was borrowing from the latter must ...
/.../chapter ii the theology of st.htm

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