“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”

In this verse Solomon is driving home the point that if you have gone into debt to, or done something to offend, another person, you should do whatever it takes to make it right. Don’t wait. Go immediately and restore the sense of equilibrium and balance in the relationship. Healing. A truth I discovered many years ago—and have seen often—is that the one who forces others to choose sides in a dispute, whether they are right or not, is already losing. People, regardless of the offense, resent being forced to take a side. Part of Solomon’s instruction that goes beyond borrowing is that no good comes from broken relationships and division. He is speaking within the Israelite community—especially within family. Debt and relational rifts can cause divisions that harms the unity God calls us to and requires of His children. The verse essentially advises against delaying a difficult but necessary conversation or action. You should act immediately, using every ounce of energy to escape the situation, just as a trapped animal would. In debt you could end up a slave. In a relationship you can end up a slave to your pride and sin. Today, quickly resolve brokenness. #BeTheEdge

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” — Jesus