Bible Forbids Bankruptcy

The Bible “forbids” Carl to file for bankruptcy. Carl has acquired debt with little or no intent on paying it back. He did so by continuing to refinance and to roll his debt from credit cards and other expenses into his home mortgage. Carl is not making enough money to live the life style that he is living. While filing for bankruptcy would be a way for Carl to get out of debt, I don’t believe that it was designed for us to live above our means with no intent to pay back our loans. The Bible says, “ It is better to not make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” (Ecclesiastes 5:7 Life Application Study Bible). I think that stealing under the false pretext of borrowing should have consequences. Although the Bible “forbids” Carl from filing for bankruptcy, it does not forbid from borrowing all together. In the world that we live today it is nearly impossible not borrow money for large purchases. The bible states, “The wicked borrow and do not repay but the righteous give generously.” (Psalm 37:5 Life Application Study Bible). The Bible is not saying don’t borrow; rather it is saying to make sure that you are able to repay your debts. Carl’s mistake was not that he borrowed money. It was that he continued to find ways to borrow more then he could afford to pay back. My advice for Carl would be to do everything within his means to try and pay back his loans. I believe that the Bible clearly states that borrowing with the intent not to pay back is a sin. If there is absolutely no way which Carl can pay pack his loans then, and only then should he consider bankruptcy. The good news for Carl is that if he repents and ask God for his forgiveness then he will be forgiven. Paul writes, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10 Life Application Study