Deuteronomy 23 - Financial Principlea

Chapter 23 is chocked full of good words to grow on, but I just want to highlight a couple of principles we can apply for ourselves. If we take them to heart, God will surely bless the labors of your hands. 

Tainted Money

Deut 33:17-18 show us that there are professions that dishonor God and we should not pretend that we can make up for vile gain by giving our portion to God. If we are involved in a business or a business practice that doesn't honor God, we should turn from it and plead for forgiveness. We shouldn't ignore it and ask God to ignore it too. 

Charging Interest

Deut 23:19-20 - We are not to charge our "brother" interest. We are not to profit from our fellow believers misfortune. We are not on opposite sides, but joined together in love to benefit our believing brothers and  sisters. It is perfectly OK to charge a foreigner interest, as he hasn't shared your faith and does not stand to inherit God's favor. 

In this section we have a "so that". I love these because they give insight into the rationale behind the command. Verse 20 says "you may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your Godsy bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess".   I can see people saying that even a Christian bank needs to make money, but it is Gods economy and it it He who blesses our work. We can trust Him even when we don't understand His ways. 

Contracts and Vows

Deut 23:21-23 give us principles we can use in honoring our commitments. Whether it is a vow to God or to men. We are Gods people and our word should be our bond. If we make a commitment to God and He may require it from you. It would be better that we do not make a vow than to not honor what we have said. 

Likewise, we should be careful to honor our word among our business dealings as well. It is far too easy to make a contract that extends into the future when we don't know what the future holds. I think of people who are deep in credit card debt and cannot meet their monthly obligations.  If only they had not made the commitment by buying things on time they would be better off. When we sign on the dotted line our reputation and Gods is at stake. 

Neighbors Bounty. 

Deut 23:24-25. When you are waking through your neighbors vineyard it is Ok to enjoy some of the harvest, but not to store up for yourself treasure at his expense. Enjoy his hospitality but don't presume upon it. 

In applying this principle in our lives we shouldn't take advantage of our neighbors, believers or not. To store up his fruit or grain would be akin to stealing, but if you are hungry, it would only be right and kind for him to share of his bounty. 

Gods ways are not natural to us, so we must study and apply if we are to enjoy the best of life God desires for us. Our success is completely in His hands but He looks on our faithfulness as His servants. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.