Romans 13:8 is fine in context -- but I don't think it means never borrow money under any circumstance. I think in the larger context verse 8 has to do with not witholding the good that is due others, and not withholding what is due authorities. If I borrow a sum of money from the bank and I make the payments I have agreed to every month -- I don't believe I am in violation of this passage. I also think that I could be in violation of this passage, if I become aware of something I ought to do for my neighbor and have opportunity, but put it off.
You can go into the old testament and read about the Israelites loaning money to each other. God had some strict directions about how long a loan could be outstanding. Lenders were not to put folks in the position of owing for more than 7 years?? And if they gave certain items as a pledge, the lenders would have to give them back at some pt. God recognized that borrowing and lending would occur. Jesus was teaching about something else -- with the talents -- but he used the example of putting money out at interest as the least thing the wicked servant could have done with the talent he received.
It is good not to borrow money -- for the reason given by the passage in Proverbs you quote -- but you are interpreting Romans 13:8 out of context. The context is clearly, being in subjection to government authorities as long as it doesn't conflict with God's laws. Look at the last part of the verse -- that's the emphasis -- don't put off doing the things which are involved in loving your neighbor. We must also do what is contained in verse 7 in a timely manner. We must act when the opportunity presents itself -- we owe a debt of love to Jesus Christ that we can never repay -- but we serve Him through loving others right next to us.
>>1Every (A)person is to be in (B)subjection to the governing authorities For (C)there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3For (D)rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
4for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an (E)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also (F)for conscience' sake.
6For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
7(G)Render to all what is due them: (H)tax to whom tax is due; (I)custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
8Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for (J)he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
9For this, "(K)YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "(L)YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." << |
