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The Borrower Is Servant to the Lender: The Cost of Unethical Agreements

Writer: Wanda PendergrassWanda Pendergrass

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7


This scripture is often quoted in financial contexts, but its implications go far beyond money. Borrowing—whether in financial debt, unethical alliances, or compromising agreements—can place us in a position where we lose the power to be ourselves. When we align with people, systems, or organizations that do not reflect our values, we become entangled in obligations that limit our freedom, silence our convictions, and strip us of our ability to make independent decisions. Take a moment and think about your core values.

*What's important to you?

*What guides your decision-making? Your behaviors?

*What do you stand for?



The Hidden Cost of Compromise


Not all debts are monetary. Some are relational, ideological, or even spiritual. When we enter into agreements that require us to forsake integrity, we unknowingly trade our voice for approval, our autonomy for acceptance, and our convictions for convenience. The moment we owe someone—whether through unspoken expectations, favors, or a willingness to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing—we become their servant.


Compromised alliances come with a price:

• Loss of Authenticity – You become who they need you to be rather than who you are called to be.


• Fear of Breaking Ties – You stay in unhealthy situations because walking away seems too costly.


• Moral Confusion – Over time, what once seemed non-negotiable becomes negotiable.


• Spiritual Entanglement – The more you yield, the harder it is to stand on truth.



Breaking Free

The good news is that no debt—financial, relational, or spiritual—has to define your future. True freedom begins when we recognize where we have given away our power and take it back. That may mean:


• Ending toxic agreements that require you to be someone you’re not.


• Refusing to sell your integrity for temporary gain.


• Trusting God rather than man-made security.


Are there any areas where you feel bound by a debt that’s not financial? It may be time to break free. Have the courage to say, No More.


"2025 Building Spiritual Stature - One Choice, One Inspired Step at a Time"





4 Comments

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Qpander
Mar 16
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

The 4 Compromised Alliances are Wows! We have to choose to break free. Everyone deserves freedom but many will never see it.

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Monisha Horton
Monisha Horton
Feb 22
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Many great points that people tend to overlook. Being indebted to others (no matter the capacity) can jeopardize your integrity and much more. It's worth the sacrifice and patience to wait on God; whom supplies all your needs.

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Guest
Feb 21
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank You.

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Sharon Moore
Sharon Moore
Feb 20
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Absolutely right on with this one! I have found so much freedom and a sense of peace when gaining the courage of protecting who I am with God as my support!

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