Living Debt Free

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

─ Proverbs 22:7 AMPC

Living Debt Free

If you have ever been in debt, you most likely agree that the lender has power over you until the debt is paid. Two brothers made a deal that is still impacting generations today.

God blessed Abraham’s son, Isaac, with twins after years of infertility. We first hear of Abraham’s grandsons in Genesis 25:19-34. Even before they were born, they struggled in the womb and fought to be the first one born, but Esau came first. He held the birthright as the firstborn, which provided a “double portion” of his father’s inheritance.

One day Esau comes in from the field and asks his brother for stew because he was starving to death, an obvious exaggeration since Esau, a successful hunter, could go and get his own provision. Jacob tells his brother he’ll give him the food if he promises to give him his birthright, and Esau forfeits his birthright as collateral for a meal.

Esau failed to see the value in his birthright. He didn’t protect it, and this choice to be indebted to his brother affected him for the rest of his life. Jacob collected on the debt by deceiving his father and obtained the birthright.

Our verse today says the borrower is servant to the lender. Esau’s debt to Jacob opened the door for the prophecy God spoke to their mother, Rebekah, that “the older would serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Esau and Jacob’s transaction brought about two people groups who are still at war with one another today.

Does our verse in Proverbs mean that we should never borrow money? Not necessarily, but it should give you pause to carefully examine your ability to repay a loan as well as the consequences of the arrangement. When you look at everything you have as a gift from God, it can help you be a better steward of all you have.

Today’s One Thing

In what ways would living with less debt change your life? Give God praise today for His provision and wisdom. Consider one thing you could do that would move you into a better position from debtor to financial freedom and take one action toward that this week.

Additional Reading

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