Credit is not inherently bad, but there are times when borrowing money should be avoided. Borrowing is acceptable when there is a plan to repay, as seen in Joseph's administration during the biblical famine. However, one should not borrow when unable to repay, simply due to greed or impatience, or to maintain an unsustainable lifestyle. Failing to repay debts can damage one's reputation and ability to be financially generous, as well as become a burden to one's community.

1. Before You Borrow
He who loves silver will not
be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance,
with increase.
This also is vanity.
Ecc. 5:10

2. USA Today - 2014

3. USA Today - 2014

4. Credit is not the enemy
• “You have to spend money to make money”
▫ You have to start with something
• Joseph set up a credit system during the Famine
(Gen 47:15-25)
▫ The Egyptians had nothing to start with
▫ So they were given seeds from Pharaoh
▫ Then they paid Pharaoh back in crops

5. When Should I Not borrow?
• When You cannot pay it back
▫ Romans 13:8-10
▫ Psalm 37:27 The wicked borrows and does not
repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
• When you are trying to fill the bottomless pit of
Greed
▫ Ecclesiastes 5

6. When Should I Not borrow?
• When you are simply not being patient
▫ “it’s your money, use it when you need it”
▫ “it’s my money, and I want it now”
• When you are trying to keep up a certain lifestyle
• When you have a “heart” problem

7. The Danger in Not paying off Debt
• The Debtor can hurt the name of Christ (Luke
16:7)
• The Debtor cannot share (Eph 4:28)
• The Debtor cannot “lay by and store” (1 Cor
16:2)
• The Christian Debtor can become a “burden to
the church” (1 Tim 5:16)