Where Does the Interest Go?

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

Proverbs 22:7 isn’t just about financial power. This verse of wisdom is trying to get believers to understand the dynamics of who is in control of our lives. The bottom line is that money wields influence in our world. Sometimes that influence is good and people use money to advance the kingdom of God or do wonderful philanthropic works, but most of the time money is used malevolently to manipulate, oppress and push Satan’s agenda in our world.

The truth is that the wealthy generally set the rules, shape politics, and push on institutions to do their bidding.

When a Christian takes a loan from a wealthy person, or organization, that puts them in covenant with them. All loans include interest which the borrower pays. Have you ever researched or wondered where your interest goes? Even in America, many of our financial institutions are using the money you pay them in interest to fund terrorism and other unholy alliances with institutions that fight against God’s Word and support the destruction of the family. See, debt creates invisible chains by creating a covenant with an institution or person who may not be supporting kingdom purposes.

God always wants for freedom for His children. He wants His people to thrive and not be bound to the world’s system. The problem is we often trade our independence for immediate gratification.

Proverbs 22:7 is not just about financial wisdom; it’s about our allegiance. Whom do you serve? God or mammon? What’s more important to you? The kingdom of God or the god of this world? Where your interest goes matters.

Practical Application

Have you ever researched what the bank that holds your mortgage or your credit card company supports? Have you looked at where the interest goes? Take a moment to research and repent if you see that you have been supporting unholy institutions. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you out of debt and toward institutions that you would be blessed to support.

Romans 13:8; Proverbs 3:27

Wealth, Pleasure, and Wisdom

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. (Proverbs 21:17)

Positioning your whole life to please yourself will leave you lacking. The world is constantly trying to highlight our flesh’s desire for instant gratification, but it never talks about the price tag for it. Many Christians spend today’s resources without considering tomorrow’s needs. God desires to bless our lives, but never through sacrificing stewardship.

Think for a moment about the story of the prodigal son who squandered his entire inheritance on what pleased him at the moment. If we allow our own pleasure to be our master, we enslave ourselves to sin and hold ourselves back from the future God has planned for us.

The next part of Proverbs 21:17 talks about wine and oil. These two things refer to excess and extravagance. When someone is always getting the “most expensive thing” and is constantly spending on extravagance, they are setting themselves up for trouble.

In many marriages, struggles and problems happen because you have one individual that is trying to save money and another individual who is constantly spending without thinking.

If you are single and start dating, it is imperative that you pay close attention to two things financially about the person you are interested in: their debt and their spending habits.

Just because they look good does not mean that their good looks will last. In fact, if they have unhealthy habits with money, they will look ugly to you within a year, even if they have their hair done.

Practical Application

What is your stewardship plan? If you have not developed one, ask the Holy Spirit to help you create a giving goal (over and above tithe), a saving goal and a budget to keep your goals in perspective. Living with this mindset will change your life.

Proverbs 23:21; Proverbs 21:20

The Pricelessness of a Good Name

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

Can you imagine a bank account where reputation is the currency? In this account, your integrity, character, and trustworthiness add to your wealth and show as credits or debits in your daily balance. Proverbs 22:1 explains that having a good name or a positive reputation with others is incredibly more important than having an account filled with riches.

This Proverb reminds me of Joseph when he faced the temptation of Potiphar’s wife. He chose honor over fleshly pleasure. Although for a moment there was an attack against him, in the end, his reputation still stood, even amid trials.

How others talk about you will change the impact you have on the world you are in. However, it’s important to understand that your reputation is not about being perfect. Many people stress and mess up their lives striving after being the best. Having a good name is about being authentic, honest, kind, and consistent with living your faith. It means that you are representing Jesus in your everyday interactions and you are not someone different at church than you are at work or with your family.

Favor comes from a good reputation. Invest in the relationships that God has placed in your life. Be generous with your encouragement and gratitude towards others. Forgive quickly and find ways to be a blessing in the lives of others every day.

How others think about your name will either be a platform for God to be glorified or a pothole for people to swerve and avoid when they think of Christians. Don’t be a pothole.

Practical Application

This week, decide to prioritize your character over convenience. Don’t just do what’s easy. Do what matters. Do what makes a difference. Allow your faith to shape your interactions with others and with the work you do.

Ecclesiastes 7:1; Luke 10:20