Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of credit can be understood in terms of trust, responsibility, and the ethical treatment of financial obligations. While the Bible does not explicitly use the modern term "credit," it addresses related themes such as lending, borrowing, and the moral implications of financial transactions.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament provides several guidelines regarding lending and borrowing, emphasizing fairness and compassion. In
Exodus 22:25 , the Israelites are instructed, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This directive underscores the importance of helping those in need without exploiting them through usurious practices.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude one should have towards lending: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the spirit of generosity and the moral obligation to support those in financial distress.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to address financial ethics. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (
Matthew 5:42). This instruction encourages believers to be open-handed and willing to assist others, reflecting a heart of compassion and selflessness.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, advises, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law" (
Romans 13:8). Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and prioritizing love and relational integrity over material concerns.
Ethical ConsiderationsThe biblical perspective on credit involves a balance between justice and mercy. While the Bible acknowledges the necessity of financial transactions, it warns against practices that lead to oppression or exploitation.
Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender," highlighting the potential dangers of indebtedness and the power dynamics involved.
Believers are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in financial matters, ensuring that their actions reflect God's justice and compassion. The biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and integrity serve as a guide for navigating the complexities of credit and financial relationships.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to manage their finances responsibly, avoiding unnecessary debt and living within their means. The biblical call to stewardship involves using resources wisely and for the glory of God, recognizing that all possessions ultimately belong to Him.
Moreover, the community of faith is urged to support one another, providing assistance to those in need and fostering an environment of mutual care and accountability. By adhering to these principles, believers can honor God in their financial dealings and reflect His character in their interactions with others.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 13:22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Topicalbible.orgLuke 16:11
If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Topicalbible.org
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Reliance on the truth of something said or done; belief; faith; trust; confidence.
2. (n.) Reputation derived from the confidence of others; esteem; honor; good name; estimation.
3. (n.) A ground of, or title to, belief or confidence; authority derived from character or reputation.
4. (n.) That which tends to procure, or add to, reputation or esteem; an honor.
5. (n.) Influence derived from the good opinion, confidence, or favor of others; interest.
6. (n.) Trust given or received; expectation of future payment for property transferred, or of fulfillment or promises given; mercantile reputation entitling one to be trusted; -- applied to individuals, corporations, communities, or nations; as, to buy goods on credit.
7. (n.) The time given for payment for lands or goods sold on trust; as, a long credit or a short credit.
8. (n.) The side of an account on which are entered all items reckoned as values received from the party or the category named at the head of the account; also, any one, or the sum, of these items; -- the opposite of debit; as, this sum is carried to one's credit, and that to his debit; A has several credits on the books of B.
9. (v. t.) To confide in the truth of; to give credence to; to put trust in; to believe.
10. (v. t.) To bring honor or repute upon; to do credit to; to raise the estimation of.
11. (v. t.) To enter upon the credit side of an account; to give credit for; as, to credit the amount paid; to set to the credit of; as, to credit a man with the interest paid on a bond.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CREDITkred'-it (pisteuein; 1 Maccabees 10:46 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "gave no credence"; The Wisdom of Solomon 18:6 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "trusted"; 1 Maccabees 1:30 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "credence"): In the modern commercial sense the noun "credit" does not occur in the canonical Scriptures or in the Apocrypha.
Greek
2811. kleos -- fame... Noun, Neuter Transliteration: kleos Phonetic Spelling: (kleh'-os) Short Definition:
glory, fame, praise Definition: glory, fame, praise; rumor, report,
credit.
...3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider
... of an account or reckoning) Definition to reckon, to consider NASB Word Usage consider
(6), considered (2), counted (1), counting (1),credit (1), credited (9...
4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust
... From pistis; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), ie
Credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to...
5485. charis -- grace, kindness
... word Definition grace, kindness NASB Word Usage blessing (1), concession (1),credit
(3), favor (11), gift (1), grace (122), gracious (2), gracious work (3...
227. alethes -- true.
... alethes Phonetic Spelling: (al-ay-thace') Short Definition: unconcealed, true
Definition: unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy ofcredit, truthful....
4592. semeion -- a sign
... Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what , especially by
doing what mere man can not replicate of takecredit for....
Library
Internal Evidence Goes Far to Establish theCredit which Eusebius...
... Internal evidence goes far to establish thecredit which Eusebius lends.
to this specimen of the martyrologies, certainly not the...
The Bond-Servant and the Son
... servant? Shall one have nocredit because he has done what is right? This seems
strange indeed.... him. Nocredit is his for obeying orders....
Chapter ix.
... Not forgetting, therefore, whatcredit is due to the evangelical history, supposing
even any one of the four Gospels to be genuine; whatcredit is due to the...
The Self-Evidencing Power of Truth.
... For every proof is more powerful and trustworthy than that which it proves; since
what is disbelieved, until proof is produced, getscredit when such proof is...
John iii. 31
... the earth, is earthly, and speaketh of the earth." Since you make much ado with
my testimony, [758] and in this way say that I am more worthy ofcredit than He...
Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You...
... act as I have said, you will with more justice be condemned by your own judgment
than he by that of others." Would you, do you think, have givencredit to that...
The Life of Mr. Robert Fleming.
... be forgot what he said to one of his own begotten sons in the faith, I bless God
(said he) that in 15 years time I have never given any man'scredit a thrust...
Introduction
... made, and still maintains, for the truth of God and for the Kingdom of Christ in
the world, and not feel pained with the fact, so little to thecredit of the...
Extracts No. Iii.
... be denied. Hence what was once clear may be now doubtful, and in process
of time may become entitled to nocredit. If therefore...
Of the Trinity and a Christian
... 1. That the Christian religion requirethcredit concerning every doctrine contained
in the Word;credit, I say, according to the true relation of every...
Thesaurus
Credit (39 Occurrences)... promises given; mercantile reputation entitling one to be trusted; -- applied to
individuals, corporations, communities, or nations; as, to buy goods on
credit...Credited (19 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) ofCredit.... Romans 4:3 For what says the Scripture? "And Abraham believed
God, and this was placed to hiscredit as righteousness." (See NAS NIV)....
Trust (201 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.)Credit given; especially, delivery of property or merchandise in reliance
upon future payment; exchange without immediate receipt of an equivalent; as...
Credential (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Giving a title or claim tocredit or confidence;
accrediting. 2. (n.) That which gives a title tocredit or confidence....
Placed (297 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Romans 4:3 For what says the Scripture? "And Abraham believed God,
and this was placed to hiscredit as righteousness." (WEY)....
Bad (129 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:32 "If you love those who love you, whatcredit is it to you?... Luke 6:33 And
if you are kind to those who are kind to you, whatcredit is it to you?...
Accredit (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To invest withcredit or authority; to sanction;
as to accredit a school.... 3. (vt) To believe; tocredit; to put trust in....
Sinners (132 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:32 If you love those who love you, whatcredit is that to you?... Luke 6:33 If
you do good to those who do good to you, whatcredit is that to you?...
Ourselves (129 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:15 Not takingcredit to ourselves for what is not our business,
that is, for the work of others; but having hope that, with the growth of your...
Growth (77 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:15 Not takingcredit to ourselves for what is not our business,
that is, for the work of others; but having hope that, with the growth of your...
Resources
Should a Christian use a credit card? | GotQuestions.orgDo we contribute anything to our own salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)? | GotQuestions.orgCredit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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