Borrowing Money

 “SHOULD I BORROW MONEY?

            “Borrowing is like a wedding. Repaying is like mourning”. A Swahili Proverb. This saying is well–known to people in East Africa. And it undoubtedly reflects the sentiment of many in lands around the world. Is that how you feel about borrowing money from a friend or other sources? Though it might seem advisable at times. Is it a good idea? What are the dangers and pitfalls in borrowing? Another proverb saying get to the heart of the matter. It says: Borrowing and lending spoil a friendship. Indeed, debts can put friendships and relationship in jeopardy. Even with the best of plans and the most sincere intentions, things do not always turn out as expected. For example, if time passes and due repayments are not made, the lender may become irritated. Resentment could build, and the relationship between their families may become strained. Since loans are potential source of friction, we might view them as a last resort rather than any easy solution to money problems.

Borrowing money can also endanger a person’s relationship with God. First of all the Bible says that it is a wicked person who deliberately and knowingly refuses to repay his debts. It also makes clear that “the borrower is a slave to the lender”. The borrower must realize until the money is paid back, he is under obligation to the lender. True is another African saying “if you borrow a man’s leg, you will go where he directs you.” The idea is that one who is heavily in debt is no longer at liberty to do what he would like. Repaying what one borrows therefore, must be given high priority. Otherwise, difficulties will likely arise. Mounting debts can result in much distress, as well as sleepless nights, overwork, bickering between husband and wife and even family breakups, not to mention possible lawsuits or imprisonment. Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another.

In view of this, it is best to be cautious when it comes to borrowing money. It is prudent to ask. Is there a real need to borrow? Is it a matter of saving your means of livelihood so as to care for your family? Is there a measure of greed beyond one’s means? In most cases, it would be better to make do with less than obligate oneself by borrowing.

There may be exceptions, such as when an emergency arises and there does not seem to be any other way out. Even so, if a person decides to borrow, he should show himself to be a person of good principles. How can this be done? First, never take advantage of someone just because he or she seems to be better–off, he owes it to us to help us financially. Nor should we feel that we are free of any moral obligation to act with honest intentions toward such a person. Do not be envious of those who seem to enjoy financial security.

It is better you put your agreement in writing in order to avoid misunderstanding on either sides. If possible return what you have borrowed to the owner personally in order to thank him yourself. Conscientiousness in returning what you borrow makes for good relations. In addition, always bear in mind the Golden Rule, “All things, therefore, that you want man to do to you, you also must do to them.”