An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Us in Usury

(Proverbs 28:8 KJV)  He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

This is one of those verses that makes no sense to me.  Having said that there is one thing that jumps out at me.  God really hates credit.  This hits me because it is a recurring theme.  In our capitalistic system we live on credit.  “Usury" (interest NASB) (5392) is a part of life.  I understand the problem with “usury” (8636), but why would anyone risk loaning money if they could not gain interest?  The NASB translates “usury” as “interest” and “unjust gain” as “usury” (8636).  The KJV puts it much stronger and condemns it even more.

I feel like a revolutionary when I read this.  Maybe it doesn’t make sense because I don’t want to hear.  Should we abandon all types of credit including home mortgages?  Are all people who loan money evil?  Some Christian voices urge us to get out of all debt.  Few of us will be big lenders but maybe we could stop being borrowers.

So?  Something to seriously think about.  I don’t want to hear it.  Maybe I should pay more attention to this. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

To avoid ALL credit requires much sacrifice, but for those who will do it, the lifestyle avoids many of the problems our society has now.

Pumice said...

I am not sure we can avoid it all. There are places that require cards to pay. I guess we could use debit cards.

Grace and peace.