Image from proverbs
When we are often seeking for wisdom and guidance, most of
us tend to resort to the Bible for answers. Who knows the many wonders it has
and how the words, the phrases and the verses can still be applied today. This also
holds true for our personal finances. You see, the Bible is not only a history
book that narrates events. It also has items worth noting and lessons worth
keeping. A good example of this one is Proverbs 22:7 which states,
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant
to the lender.”
The bible clearly points out that those who have will rule
the other and the borrower owes a lot to the lender.
This simply tells us that as much as possible, be debt free.
The freedom of being one is more satisfying than being tied up with debt. Remember
what you were when you have debts up to your neck. You cannot seem to move
right? You always work really hard yet in the end the money would be used to
pay it. The big bulk of your salary or income is redirected here and you cannot
use your money anymore for other purchases. You become a servant to the bank,
to someone be it a family member or a friend or whoever you borrowed from.
Worst, if they have conditions with regards to your loan like they might get some
items in your home, they might let you work for them and more. I can now
imagine those movies in which loan sharks would get a family member for a loan’s
payment. Now that’s a bit extreme I know but I know you get it.
When I was still in debt few years back, I couldn’t even
begin to realign my salary because of the debts. I remember my credit card bank
calling me every morning checking on my payment. Every time I heard my phone
ringing with that number on it, I turned it off or put it in silent mode. It is
like Liam Neeson’s Taken line, “But if you don't, I will look for you, I will
find you”.
That is why I have been diligently chopping it away. This
was also the time, where I had literally no savings because I just want to
clear out my debts. Getting out of it was not easy and it would require
sacrifices. But let me tell you the freedom after it is just so worth it. No
more calls from my credit card company, no more sad face when I get my billing
statements and more. I was able to save up in the process and use that money
for greater ventures rather than paying my debt.
The bible might prove strong in terms of words however there
is no denying that it gives us a glimpse of what our life should be. God simply
wants us to be debt-free. To enjoy life and be not anyone’s servant. And debt
can in fact enslave us. So when in debt, always remember Proverbs 22:7.
P.S. To those doing the 52 Week Money Challenge and 52 Week Money Challenge Version 2, it is Week 15 already! Did you deposit the next amount yet?
P.P.S Want to know more about investing, savings, stock market and more, check out my reference here. You can download free ebooks and resources too.