Exodus 22:14 - Homiletics

The duty of borrowers.

The duty of borrowers is very simple. It is to take care that that which they borrow suffers as little hurt as possible while it remains in their possession, and to return it unhurt, or else make compensation to the lender. People will not often be found to question the propriety of these rules; but in action there are not very many who conform to them. It is a common thing to take but little care of what we have borrowed; to keep it an unconscionable time; to neglect returning it until the lender has asked for it repeatedly; to keep it without scruple, if he does not happen to ask for it. Curiously enough, there are particular things— e.g; umbrellas and books, which it is supposed not to be necessary to return, and which borrowers are in the habit of withholding. Many go further, and feel under no obligation to repay even money which they have borrowed. All such conduct is, however, culpable, since it is tainted with dishonesty. Borrowers should remember—

I. THAT THEY FAIL IN THEIR DUTY TO THEMSELVES IF THEY DO NOT RESTORE WHAT THEY HAVE BORROWED . Self-respect should prevent them from a line of conduct which assimilates them to thieves, and is wanting in the boldness and straightforwardness that characterise ordinary thieves.

II. THAT THEY FAIL EGREGIOUSLY IN THEIR DUTY TO THE LENDER , who has put them under a special obligation to him.

III. THAT THEY FAIL IN THEIR DUTY TO MANKIND AT LARGE , since they do their best to deter men from ever lending, and so place difficulties in the way of borrowers. We all need to borrow at times.

IV. THAT THEY FAIL IN THEIR DUTY TO GOD , who has declared in his word, that it is "the wicked" who "borroweth and payeth not again" ( Psalms 37:21 ).