• JUDAH AND TAMAR
• WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE
• SCRIPTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF PLEDGES
• LENDING MONEY
• CHARGING INTEREST
• BORROWING MONEY
• CONCLUSION
* QUESTIONS
God had taken the lives of Judah’s two sons, both of whom had been Tamar’s husbands. Thinking it was because of her that they had died, Judah did not give her his youngest son, Selah, in marriage. At that time, a man was supposed to marry the wife of his deceased brother in order to raise children to carry on the brother’s family.
Seeing that Judah was not going to give her to Selah, Tamar dresses as a prostitute in order to deceive Judah, her father-in-law, into enabling her to bear children to carry on the family line. His wife has recently died and Judah is on the way to a feast after sheep shearing time.
He sees Tamar and thinks she is a temple prostitute. He promises her a young goat, which was the usual payment offering for this sin, in return for her sexual services. She seemed to fear that the promised goat would not arrive: “Will you give me something as a pledge until you send it?“ Genesis 38:17
When she requested the signs of his honor and dignity–his identification seal and his walking stick–Judah handed them to her without hesitation!
When Judah, by means of a friend, planned to deliver the goat in exchange for the seal and the staff, he was told there never had been a shrine prostitute in that location. Judah now feared that if other people found out what he had done, he would become a laughingstock among his people. He could only hope there would be no consequences.
When Judah was told that his daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result was pregnant, he sentenced her to be burned to death. She was the widow of his two eldest sons and was still considered to be the bride of his youngest son. As the head of the family, he had the responsibility to judge the sin Tamar had committed.
Shortly before she arrived at the site of execution, she gave an identification seal and a staff to the men escorting her and sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man who owns these. See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are.” Genesis 38:25
Judah had to confess with shame that Tamar had vindicated the legal rights that had been kept from her: “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” Genesis 38: 26 Six months later, Tamar delivered two sons, Perez and Zerah. Perez became a forefather in the lineage of Jesus.
A pledge is “a solemn promise.” Security is “something given as a pledge that a person will fulfill some duty or promise.” The World Book Dictionary. Judah made a pledge to Tamar that he would give her a goat. He gave her his staff and seal as security that he would fulfill that pledge. These events happened because of Judah’s broken pledge to give his son Selah to Tamar in marriage.
To put up security is to assume responsibility for someone’s debt. An example would be to promise, whether in writing or not, that you would pay if someone could/would not fulfill their house payments. The Bible warns against taking the responsibility for someone’s debt six times in the book of (Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26-27, 27:16).
(1 “My son, if you put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” Proverbs 6:1-5 We are even told what to do if we have already put up security. We are to humble ourselves and plead to be released from our obligation. We are not to rest until we are free.
"Put up security…strike hands in pledge"–refers to responsibility for someone else’s debt (Proverbs 22:26) or for some other obligation. It can end in abject poverty (Proverbs 22:27) or even slavery if you cannot pay. For example, Judah volunteered to personally guarantee the safe return of Benjamin to Jacob (Genesis 43:9), and when this seemed impossible, he had to offer himself to Joseph as a slave (Genesis 44:32-33). “Striking hands,” equivalent to our handshake (see Proverbs 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26; Job 17:3), sealed such an agreement. "Trapped…ensnared" (Proverbs 6:5; 5:22). To free yourself–to gain release from the obligation. Fallen into your neighbor’s hands–assumed responsibility for his obligation. Press your plea–be as persistent as the man in Luke 11:8.No sleep…no slumber–like David in Palm 132:4. Snare of the fowler–see Psalm 124:7” NIV Study Bible
(2 “He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.” Proverbs 11:15 You will be kept safe from becoming unfairly in debt if you refuse to strike hands in pledge.
(3 “A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 Striking hands in pledge is not something God wants us to do. He tells us this plainly in His Word and His will is never contrary to His Word. If you do this you are lacking in judgment. That is why Bible reading and teaching are so important. How much better to avoid situations than to have to learn the hard way. God promises us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5), and often the way God teaches us judgment and wisdom is through experience. If we are not sure what to do in a situation we should take advice from the Bible: “He who walks with the wise grows wise…” Proverbs 13:20 and “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 Develop the habit of getting counsel from wise friends.
(4 “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” Proverbs 22:26-27 You might even be reduced to poverty if the other person cannot or refuses to pay the debt.
(5 This proverb is repeated, showing its importance: “Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.” Proverbs 20:16 is the same as Proverbs 27:13.
“Take the garment–a garment could be taken as security for a debt (Deut. 24:10-13). Anyone who foolishly assumed responsibility for the debt of a stranger, whose reliability is unknown, or of a wayward woman, whose unreliability is known, ought to be held accountable even to the degree of taking his garment as a pledge.” The NIV Study Bible
The Bible tells us to be generous and sometimes putting up security seems like the generous thing to do. Maybe that is one reason we are warned six times not to put up security–because it seems like generosity. We are supposed to give under God’s direction to meet man’s need–not man’s greed.
* SCRIPTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF PLEDGES
We are supposed to be absolutely righteous when accepting a pledge: “When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. Deuteronomy 24:10-11 Not going into a person’s house shows respect for that person and is also a safeguard–there will be no reason to charge us unfairly.
“If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.” Exodus 22:26-27 God will consider us righteous if we do not keep the pledge of a poor man that will endanger his well-being. This kindness will bring honor to God.
"If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return the cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you and it will be regarded as righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 24:12-13 We bring honor to God by doing righteous acts: “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We are commanded to show compassion and mercy in the use of pledges: “Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice or take the cloak of a widow as a pledge.” Deuteronomy 24:17
How much easier not to deal with pledges and security, although this is necessary in business.
Jesus said: "’You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42
A similar passage is found in the book of Luke: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:32-36
“Jesus is not of course advocating the kind of indiscriminate generosity which would encourage lazy and parasitical good-for-nothings.” The New Bible Commentary Revised
Lending money to meet someone’s greed can be similar to putting up security. This may be done in order to be kind to them. However, if they spend money they do not have, they will eventually suffer. And if they purposely do not return the money, it causes them to fall under the curse of God because they are paying “back evil for good.” Proverbs 17:13
There are many people that in various ways try to manipulate money from us. Learn to ask God’s direction immediately. If He does direct us to give someone money it would usually be at a time when the person does not think that his manipulation has earned him money. For instance, there was a woman that was always complaining that she needed money hoping people would give her some. Another woman met her on the street one day and gave her some money before she had a chance to say anything. The woman who gave the money said afterwards that she felt the Lord had directed her to give money. We should give even when we do not understand: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Sometimes the Lord teaches us by letting us make mistakes. One pastor bought a man food thinking that, even though the man was an alcoholic, this was the kind thing to do. Soon after, the pastor drove by the liquor store and saw the man coming out. The man had deceived the pastor into buying him groceries so he could spend his money on liquor!
We should give UNDER THE LORD’S DIRECTION, which sometimes includes a radical self-sacrificing generosity. We should lend “without expecting anything back” to those to whom we know it is God’s will to do so.
Many people say they need money. Why do they need money? Is it a necessity or a worthwhile reason? Why don’t they have money? Do they spend their money foolishly or are they dishonest? Will it honor God to give or lend it to them? Perhaps there are other questions to ask depending on the situation. Sometimes it is not an easy to determine answer. Sometimes it requires much prayer and waiting on the Lord: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 If we have no clear direction, it is best to err on the side of generosity.
Sometimes there is an inner knowing that something is not right: ”The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12
The Bible gives the answer: “…be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 This requires much wisdom from the Lord. Often people who have been Christians in a sheltered environment can be “as innocent as doves” but find it difficult to be “as shrewd as snakes.” That is why Jesus said, “…the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the people of light.” Matthew 16:8
When we find that we have been deceived the natural tendency is to want to return deceit with deceit. Instead we are to be honest and open. We are to avoid the pitfalls of the devil, but allow God to repay evil done to us. Jesus was the perfect example. He knew what Judas was doing and was going to do, but He also knew God would repay Judas and would work everything out for good.
Christians should be sure that they are doing God’s will before seeking legal action when someone has been dishonest with them: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints…The very fact that you have lawsuits among you prove that you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” 1 Corinthian 6:1, 7 God say:, “It is mine to avenge, I will repay…” Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19 God will repay those that are dishonest although, under the Lord’s leading; there can be a time to bring legal action against unbelievers.
An employee would not pay a Christian man for several months of work. The Christian took the case to the Workman’s Compensation and was awarded most of the money. This was justice being done.
We need to know what boundaries the Lord expects. The Lord works differently in different situations because He wants us to always consult Him; he wants us to continually fellowship with Him. God can use any circumstance for His glory, but our lives will be better and less agonizing if we know God well and can hear His voice concerning when to give and to lend and how to deal with those that have wronged us.
Each case is different and should be prayed about. There are basic principles, which may take time to learn. When we make mistakes just consider them part of the learning process.
One young mother was always borrowing essentials from others. Sometimes she paid them back, but I prayed about this irritating habit. Once I was talking to her about something else, and mentioned the verse: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 She said, “I shouldn’t be asking for bread, should I?” She wasn’t really asking my opinion—the Lord had just opened her eyes.
We need to know what boundaries the Lord expects. The Lord works differently in different situations because He wants us to always consult Him; he wants us to continually fellowship with Him. God can use any circumstance for His glory, but our lives will be better and less agonizing if we know God well and can hear His voice concerning when to give and to lend and how to deal with those that have wronged us.
Each case is different and should be prayed about. There are basic principles, which may take time to learn. When we make mistakes just consider them part of the learning process.
For instance, I decided not to lend money unless there is a real need. However,one man came to us because he needed a place to stay and had no money. However, he is an alcoholic and extremely dishonest. If we let him stay at our home he would probably steal from us receiving a curse: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13 He would tell other alcoholics that we allow them to stay at our home and they would always be here. We would enable him to keep up his sinful lifestyle: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 We neither gave him a place to stay or money, but we did offer him some food. He cursed us (which we were careful to pray against—curses are real) and refused the food saying he would just go rob someone at the bar. My husband was careful to treat him with respect although he tried to get us to swear at him and has treated him kindly. Also, we prayed for him.
A girl stopped at our house, asking for money for milk for her baby. I quickly prayed, but the emotion of feeling I was being manipulated blocked out my hearing from God. However, He answered because not knowing what to do, I said, “Ask someone else.” After she had left the lady with me said, “Why couldn’t she have asked her relatives or friends?” It was probably because they knew how dishonest she was. Either God knew this was the best answer for both her and me, or He would have her go to someone else who really wanted to give: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
It is usually is best not to ask for money back that you have loaned: “…lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” Luke 6:35 However, some people do not think you care about the money unless you ask for it back. These people should probably have never been loaned money in the first place and is somewhat like putting. Up security: “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said…Go and humble yourself, press your plea with your neighbor…” Proverbs 6:1-5 You should not become angry when you have not received your money in such a case, considering it was by your own free will you loaned money. Either you did not pray about the situation and made the same mistake Joshua made when making a treaty with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9), or God wanted you to learn something from that mistake.
One time I was bothered because a Christian couple sold us something that they knew was defective. I had to write them a letter about another matter and just added that the item they sold us was unfixable. Then I forgot about the matter. Later, they sold us something at a reduced rate—exactly less the amount with which they had treated us unfairly, showing me that they were repentant. My being bothered, then forgetting about it after I had done one little thing, showed me that was what God wanted me to do.
Another time, it bothered me because a Christian friend had not returned the money she had borrowed. Finally, I asked her about the money. She had been waiting until she received the money she had worked for from a Christian organization, thinking when she received that it would remind her to pay us. That organization had forgotten to pay her. Since I was involved with them to some extent, I brought the matter to their attention. They paid her and she paid us.
The point is that each situation is different and needs the Lord’s direction.
One of the qualities of a person who may dwell in God’s sanctuary and live in His holy hill is someone who “lends his money without usury.” Psalm 15:1-5. Usury is “the lending of money at an extremely high or unlawful rate of interest” The World Book Encyclopedia.
Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials for charging usury to their countrymen, some even had to go into slavery. It was not wrong to lend, only to demand usury: "…You are exacting usury from your own countrymen…What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them–the hundred part of the money, grain, new wine and oil.” “We will give it back,” they said. “And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say. Nehemiah 5:7-12
Many times, the rules God gave His people, the Israelites, are rules He applies to Christians as well: “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest.” Exodus 22:25
Notice that the neighbor is very poor in the following passage. He needs money just to live. That is the person to whom we are to give or lend: "If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit.” Leviticus 25:35-37
We would not charge interest or sell food at a profit because we fear God. He made this rule.
“Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.” Deuteronomy 23:19-29 We are not to charge fellow Christians interest. This would not apply if, for instance, we were working in a bank and had to charge interest to a fellow Christian. It is not our own money that we are loaning; it is the rules of the banking system that we are following.
"He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor." Proverbs 28:8 If one charges a large amount of interest, he will just be collecting it for someone of God’s own choosing who will be kind to the poor.
It appears that God would allow us to charge interest to a non-Christian: “You may charge a foreigner interest…” Deuteronomy 23:20 However, the laws of most countries prohibit individuals charging interest and God would not want us to disobey the laws of the land.
As the circumstances vary, so does the solution. Although He will not go against His basic principles, the Lord works through many circumstances. That is why we need the Lord’s direction and perhaps the advice of a wise friend or many counselors for each situation.
We should ask the Lord’s direction even when the answer seems obvious. Joshua won every battle except the battle against the city of Ai (Joshua 7:10-12) because he and the Israelites failed to ask the Lord. Also, the Gibeonites deceived him and the Israelites into making a treaty with them because Joshua did not inquire of the Lord (Joshua 9).
Though Joshua served God faithfully during his long life, he made mistakes by not praying continually ("pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We will all make mistakes such as Joshua made. The important thing is to try to avoid them by studying God’s direct commands in the Bible, learning from the mistakes of others (often through examples given in the Bible) and learning from our own past mistakes. This will help us learn to hear God’s voice. We must be “…growing in the knowledge of God” Colossians 1:10. We should learn from mistakes but follow Paul’s example: “…Forgetting what is behind (not dwelling on or being discouraged by) and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
One of the promises God gave the Israelites was: “For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none…” Deuteronomy 15:6 “…You will lend to many nations but borrow from none.” Deuteronomy 28:12 “He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him…” Deuteronomy 28:44 To be blessed is not to have to borrow money.
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 If we are righteous our children will not have to beg. Borrowing can be a form of begging. If we are putting God first in all circumstances, He will provide for our every need and we do not have to ask anyone for money: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
It is seldom necessary to be in debt, and we are commanded not to remain in debt: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
"Believers should have no unpaid debts. This does not mean that we are prohibited from borrowing from others in case of serious need (cf. Ex 22:25; Ps 37:26; Mt 5:42, Lk 6:35). But it does speak against both going into debt for unnecessary things and showing an attitude of indifference in repaying debts (cf. Ps 37:21). The only debt from which there is no release is love for one another. ”Full Life Study Bible
It is best not to borrow money unless it is absolutely necessary and then return it as soon as possible buying only what we need until we have paid off our debts. Our attitude toward borrowed items should be that of one of the prophets in 2 Kings 6:1-7. When he lost the axhead he was using, he was more upset because it was borrowed than if it had been his own. He knew he would have to replace it if it was lost. In dealing with borrowed items, remember the principle: “…in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Having a mortgage on a house or a car is not the same as being in debt. The promise to pay at a certain time is part of an honest agreement. It is also part of the agreement that if we do not pay, our house or car can be taken from us. However, the interest we pay on such an agreement can be poor stewardship. Each case is different and the Lord’s direction should be sought.
“…The borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 When we borrow money from someone we are under obligation to them. “This should clearly define God’s attitude about borrowing from secular sources to do his work.” Financial Freedom by Larry Burkett (p. 30)
When facing financial difficulty, one thing to consider is if you owe anyone money. Often financial difficulty is the result of carelessness or dishonesty: “The wicked borrow and do not repay…” Psalm 37:21 God calls those who purposely do not repay what they borrow wicked and: “the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6
Larry Burkett explains that it is our moral obligation to pay back even when we are forced to file bankruptcy. “There may be legal remedies to avoid creditors, such as bankruptcy, but there are no scriptural remedies.” Financial Freedom by Larry Burkett (p. 7)
Would you be kind if you agreed to pay for the redecorating on Larry and Sue’s house if they could not pay? God always wants us to do the loving thing. Why does He warn us so strongly against doing something like this? Actually, if Larry and Sue never paid you back for what you had to pay if they defaulted, they would have a curse of financial poverty on them.
Should you loan Jim money for a new car? If he never paid you back, you would be poorer and he would be cursed financially (not because you cursed him! But because he is not obeying the Lord: "This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished." Zechariah 5:3).
Should you loan Anne money for food when she needs it? If it were her fault, lending her money would enable her to continue her sinful behavior. If it were not her fault, and you have the money and are not in debt yourself, God would be pleased if you did. In fact, you should lend without expecting anything in return. She might repay you, but if not, the Lord will.
Should you borrow money to buy a house? Ideally no, but if you need a place to live for your family and can afford the payments buying a house might be a wise investment.
Always ask the Lord: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 and know that He has promised to answer.
JUDAH AND TAMAR
1. What is a pledge? What is security? What pledge and security did Judah give Tamar?
2. Discuss the character of Judah.
3. Discuss the character of Tamar.
4. Why did Judah say he was more righteous than Tamar? What law did each of them break? What does this show us about the ways of God?
5. Of what significance were Tamar’s actions?
WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE
1. What does it mean to put up security?
2. What does Scripture say about putting up security?
3. Why do you think we might need to be warned six times about putting up security?
4. Discuss the consequences of putting up security to all parties involved.
5. What should someone do who has put up security?
6. Give examples from your own experience.
SCRIPTURAL DIRECTIONS IN THE USE OF PLEDGES
1. The Old Testament tells us not to go into the house of your neighbor get what he is offering as a pledge. Why do you think this law was made?
2. Can you think of a situation where a pledge and/or security would be necessary?
LENDING MONEY
1. Should we lend money according to the Word of God? Why or why not?
2. What experiences have you had and how do you explain them according to the Word of God? What did you learn from them?
3. What are some principles to help determine when to loan money?
CHARGING INTEREST
1. What is usury? Give examples of when it is used today.
2. Give examples of when interest is charged in business? Would these situations be all right according to the Word of God?
3. Can we charge interest on a personal loan? Why or why not?
BORROWING MONEY
1. Should we borrow money according to the Word of God? Why or why not?
2. Is it ever wise to borrow money? What have you learned from experience?
3. What should we do if we have borrowed money?