You won’t go to Hell if you declare bankruptcy, let’s just go ahead and get that off the table first. Now, with that said, I want to address a question I’ve been asked many times. When it comes to being in debt, some situations are much worse than others. Most households in America have at least some debt. However, some households have so much debt they feel there’s no way they can ever climb out.
That’s when thoughts start turning to declaring bankruptcy.
Consider Bankruptcy Advice Wisely
Whether you just got crazy and ran up a ton of consumer debt or you have huge medical bills, when your financial situation turns desperate, filing bankruptcy seems like the easiest solution to a difficult problem.
When this happens, it’s easy to seek money management advice from people such as bankruptcy attorneys and other professionals. But they have a vested interest in your filing for bankruptcy and may not have your best interests at heart.
Before you seriously consider filing, let’s take a look at some things you should consider before you take that step.
What Does the Bible Say About Declaring Bankruptcy?
Although the Bible doesn’t directly address bankruptcy specifically, it does warn against not paying back debts. A couple of examples are:
“The wicked borrows and doesn’t pay back, the righteous is gracious and gives” –Psalms 37:21
“Better you should not vow, than vow and not pay.” –Ecclesiastes 5:5
There are other verses that reflect those sentiments as well. So to put it bluntly, God doesn’t like it too much when you don’t pay off your debts. If you’re a Christian, obviously you want to be in good standing with God (Life tends to be so much easier that way).
Pray About It
Therefore, when you get into a tough financial bind, begin going to God with it and pray for His direction and favor over your situation. He can direct you toward a solution that you can’t see for yourself if you’re not trusting in Him.
Putting your trust in Him to guide you through your situation and begin doing things His way will catch His attention. Doing things your way is usually how you get into a bad debt situation to begin with. Giving it over to Him will definitely bring favor in that situation.
He can make a way for you where there is no way, and He will always bless you for doing the right thing.
Educate Yourself About Debt
Read what the Bible says about debt and how to handle money (I’ve listed some verses at the bottom of the post to get you started).
You should also read books and even take courses about how to get out of debt and use money wisely.
I recommend “Financial Peace” and “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey (affiliate links). The more educated you become about your money, the wiser decisions you tend to make.
Get Good Advice About Your Debt
Get advice from the right people. Seeking advice about debt from a bankruptcy attorney or a debt consolidation company is usually not a good idea because they have a vested interest in profiting from your situation.
Find someone you know that handles their money well, especially someone who is out of debt, and ask their advice. Many churches, especially larger ones, even have financial counselors available on staff that can help lead you in the right direction when you're dealing with money problems.
Find a Way to Avoid Filing Bankruptcy
Working your way out of a tough financial situation requires time, effort, and most of all, changes in behavior.
If you declare bankruptcy, there is nothing in that process that changes the habits that got you there in the first place. However, learning to budget, creating extra income, and doing everything humanly possible to pay off your debt ensures that you create new behaviors to carry you forward and so you NEVER return to that situation again.
Filing Bankruptcy Should Be a Last Resort
Bankruptcy is an extremely emotional process equivalent to experiencing a divorce or the death of a loved one, and is truly a last resort financially. It’s really necessary only a very small percentage of the time. But if you are a believer and you do decide to go that route, remember to trust your creator, and remember that He is a loving and forgiving God.
He will see you through any situation no matter how bleak, giving you a hope and a future as long as you put your trust and belief in Him.
Recommended verses: Proverbs 21:12, Proverbs 22:7, Proverbs27:23, Psalm 20:4, Proverbs 22:26-27
Related blog posts:
5 Ways to Make Extra Money, Even in a Tough Economy
Another 5 Ways to Make Extra Money, Even in a Tough Economy
13 Better Money Habits You Need to Get Out of Debt
How Do You Get Out of Debt?- Get Mad and Naked
How to Pay Off a Mountain of Medical Debt
