HELPFUL BIBLE GUIDELINES

The Bible offers a simple antidote to the urge to borrow money.  It says:  "To be sure, there is great gain in godly devotion along with contentment." (1 Timothy 6:6) In other words, being content with what one has is the best way to escape the sad consequences of borrowing. Admittedly, however, it is not easy to be content in today's world of instant gratification.  That is where "godly devotion" comes into the picture.  In what way?

Take, for example, a Christian couple in Asia.  In their younger years, they admired those who could afford  to own a house.  So they decided to buy one with their savings and money borrowed from a bank and relatives.  Soon, however, they began to feel the heavy burden of high monthly  payments.  They took on more work, putting in long days, which left them little  time for their children.  "The stress, pain, and lack of sleep felt like a heavy rock on  my head. It was suffocating," said the husband. 

In time, they remembered the words of 1 Timothy 6:6 and decided that  the only solution was to sell the house.  It took two years before they were finally relieved of their burden. What did this couple learn from their experience?  "Looking at material things from a spiritual perspective is a protection,"  they concluded.

The Swahili proverb mentioned at the outset is well-known to many. Yet it has not stopped people from borrowing.  In light of the Bible principles considered above, would it not be the course of wisdom to think seriously about the question, Should I borrow money?  

Next time: DOES ANYONE REALLY CARE?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014