Beware of Borrowing From Others

Mosiah 4:28
And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also.

DC 136:25
If thou borrowest of thy neighbor, thou shalt restore that which thou hast borrowed; and if thou canst not repay then go straightway and tell thy neighbor, lest he condemn thee.

At times there is a need to seek your neighbour or friend to ask of them of their substance. Times can be tough on many of us, especially financially. To borrow is not a sin, but how the matter is handled can be a sin. To borrow to take advantage so your resources would not be used, is selfish. To borrow and not return is a form of theft or coveting.

Psalm 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

To borrow and by error or other reasons, the thing borrowed is lost, broken or made unusable by it's owner, then it must be restored to him. The restoration should be by agreement between you and the person you borrowed from, an agreement that is satisficatory between both of you. If the loss angers the owner and no agreement can be made, then complete restoration should be done. Either by repair or complete replacment, which ever is the reasonable and workable option.

Borrowing is a responsibility, and the kindness of the lender needs to be rewarded and respected. Once the thing borrowed is not needed or the need of it passes, return it immediately and do not procastrinate. It is a form of bondage to constantly borrow and take advantage of others or their kindness.

Times may require you to borrow, but it is better to work in self-sufficency.