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The wicked borrows and does not repay but the righteous is gracious and giving. Psalm 37:21
Wicked – Does this verse mean that those who do not repay are wicked or does it mean that one of the characteristics of the wicked is their intention not to repay? If we knew that a man never intended to repay, why would we allow him to borrow? Such a man is untrustworthy. His promise is worthless. No one would lend to him (except, apparently, the government). So this verse cannot mean we already identify the man as wicked. If that were the case, we would not lend. The verse assumes we did lend expecting to be repaid. But this borrower does not repay. In fact, his actions tell us that he will never repay. He makes no effort to restore the broken confidence or the damaged trust. He just doesn’t care. He got what he wanted and now washes his hands of the obligation. We were duped. He appeared to be creditworthy but the facts demonstrate otherwise.
The Hebrew word that describes such a man is rasa’ (wicked, guilty, a criminal, a transgressor). The pictograph is “experiencing (knowing) a person who consumes and destroys.” You undoubtedly know at least one rasa’. You didn’t realize this person had such characteristics until too late, but you see it now.
The verse does not suggest that everyone who does not repay is wicked. Sometimes repayment is delayed for good reasons. Sometimes repayment is no longer possible. Things happen. The difference is this: A borrower who acts in some way, however small, to repay is not wicked. A borrower who makes no effort at all to repay is wicked. Actions determine character.
In the same way, the actions of the righteous determine character. The righteous is gracious and giving. The righteous is hanan. He shows mercy. He acts with benevolence toward others. In other words, he lives out the character of God in relation to fellow men. Furthermore, the righteous is nathan. He is giving. The usage of this verb covers everything from knowledge to real property, from production to offerings.
How do we identify the righteous man? By his actions. He gives. That is not the same as “he loans.” He shows mercy. That means he extends himself toward others. In this context, he is merciful toward the one who is unable to repay. The context does not demand forgiving the borrower who does not repay, but it certainly implies that the righteous is slow to lend but quick to give. While the wicked take advantage of the trusting generosity of lenders, the righteous give regardless of the borrower’s ultimate response. If you have experienced someone who consumes, your character as a righteous man or woman will be determined by the next one who asks to borrow. Twice burned does not apply to the righteous. They are motivated by God’s purposes, not the possible returns.
Topical Index: rasa’, wicked, guilty, criminal, borrower, repay, Psalm 37:21
“but it certainly implies that the righteous is slow to lend but quick to give.”
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Great reminder of Deut. 15, and Sabbath year remission of debt – by the lender.
7 “If someone among you is needy, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which ADONAI your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from giving to your needy brother. 8 No, you must open your hand to him and lend him enough to meet his need and enable him to obtain what he wants. 9 Guard yourself against allowing your heart to entertain the mean-spirited thought that because the seventh year, the year of sh’mittah is at hand, you would be stingy toward your needy brother and not give him anything; for then he may cry out to ADONAI against you, and it will be your sin. 10 Rather, you must give to him; and you are not to be grudging when you give to him. If you do this, ADONAI your God will bless you in all your work, in everything you undertake – 11 for there will always be poor people in the land. That is why I am giving you this order, ‘You must open your hand to your poor and needy brother in your land.’
It all starts (and ends) with G-d. He is (both) the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Our G-d is (both) a Giver and a Lover. Love gives. (did you see the period?). Good. Love gives and my friends, G-d is love. He gives and gives expecting no return. The good seed was scattered generously over ever type of soil- was it not?
The sun radiates it’s blessed light and warmth in all directions. The sun shines on a rock as well as a flower. Who welcomes the light? Who receives the warmth of the sun and profits from it? Who receives the love of G-d through Jesus Christ our LORD? (and profits from it?)
My friends, the “problem” is not with our Giver/Lover. The problem is us. We are the callous, indifferent, hard-hearted ones who cannot receive what the Giver gives.
A gift must be received, and must be welcomed. G-d’s hand of grace is always (always) extended toward us. 24/7/365- G-d loves and G-d gives. Are we able and are we capable of receiving what He gives?
Over the invisible airwaves- we are surrounded this very minute with various television, radio and cell phone “signals.” There are others as well. When are we “tuned” to the radio, or the television,or the cell phone, this broadcast signal-(which goes out in all directions from the source), “clarity occurs.” Until we have the technology or necessary equipment to “tune-in” to this signal,- it may be available, but we are not able to avail ourselves of it.
We must have the “ability” to receive these various, generously provided broadcasts.
Max Lucado, a popular Christians author, has (rightly) said,- “He who has spoken, is still speaking.” G-d’s word is eternal. His words are just as fresh today as when they ink was not yet dry on the papyrus scroll or piece of leather upon which they were first inscribed. Do you remember the words of Y’shua- “if any man (that’s me!) have ears to hear.. let him hear? He spoke these words often. I wonder why..-
Of the five thousand (or so) who were greedily gobbling the fish sandwhiches freely provided by “miraculous means”, how many, my friends, were “tuned in” to the ONE who was speaking? lol!
When E.F.Hutton speaks.. (excuse me, but who is E.F. Hutton?-never heard of the bum, but I’m sure
his mother loves him). Oh, but when he speaks- “everybody listens.” Why? When Martha Stewart speaks..(you have heard of her-right?)- oh,-when she says- “it’s a good thing!”- we run (not walk) to the nearest store to buy the “product” she endorses. Or don’t we love to quote Ben Franklin? (He’s the man!) So worldly-wise and “successful.” What a name!- Ben Franklin. He is “the man.”
And then there is this “Jesus.” A carpenter’s son from (of all places..)-Nazareth! A nothing, a nobody, – a hillbilly hick from the nowhere town of Nazareth. Never educated, not well-dressed, not particularly handsome either- but, when He speaks..His words.. they seem to give life. Yet, -He is so poor and lowly. Should we listen to Him? (Not many do..). Why, even King Pharaoh (remember him?) said, “who is the LORD that I should obey him?” Did Pharaoh receive an answer to his question? He knows.. -but do we?
Life for life. “All” of life is a gift. Every stitch of it, Mr. self-made man. Who gave to you your marvelous brain? Who give you sir, your next breath and heart-beat? Your wife? Your family? Your friends? Did all these things “randomly” occur? – or did YHWH provide them? Even the ability to work is both a privilege and the gift from G-d. The ability to love and to enjoy the food you eat- all are gifts from our Giver/Lover. We greedily consume without so much as a “thank you G-d.” -I’m glad I’m not G-d, -I’d burn the house down.
I tell you what we should give (and don’t). We should give unto the LORD- the glory due His name..
To whom much is given (“only” everything we enjoy and hope to enjoy), much is required. As I recall (thank you Holy Spirit)- “every” good gift and “every” perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights in whom is no variableness-neither shadow of turning. (James 1.17)
So what do I “owe” Him? lol!!!- “Only” everything! – No wonder we need to live forever! It’s going to take all of us, all of eternity to even begin to praise Him. Our Lover, Father, Friend,Husband,Brother, Provider- need I go on?