On Debt

Prov. 3:27-28 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.“

This is an odd application of these verses, which I had always thought had to do with charitable giving. “Those to whom it is due” however can be translated “its owners.” Charitable giving is an obligation laid on a person by God. It is not a claim on someone’s property held by someone in need. Therefore, the verses can indicate paying your debts off when you can, not pretending to be unable to pay.