Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

- If you have debt, you are a slave. The borrower is always slave to the lender.

- Don't believe this scripture? Try not paying the lender and see if they come after you and if there are consequences to non-payment of your debt!

- Who are you slave to right now? (list any company you owe money)

Proverbs 22:26-27
26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Some advice:

1. Don't Borrow Money.

You become a slave to the lender. It will strain your relationship. Don't take personal loans or loans from private lenders who charge monthly interest (They attract you by saying only 2Rs per month - that actually means 12x2+24% per year interest - this itself is huge! Unfortunately many people take loans even for 3 or 4Rs per month! It is almost impossible to ever pay back such loans.)

2. Don't Lend Money.

Never lend to a friend - it will strain the relationship making them "slave"to you. Jesus teaches to "lend without expecting money in return" - consider giving a gift.

3. Never Cosign a Loan.

The bank doesn't believe that person has the financial means to repay it. Just take the loan out yourself if you must cosign.

4. Don't Use Debt Consolidation.

Taking out a loan to repay a loan doesn't make sense. Many of these organizations con people - keep in mind they are in business to make a profit so they will take their cut of your money.

In what ways do you need to reconsider lending and borrowing practices?