In his comments on this verse, Matthew Henry wrote, “Some sell their liberty to gratify their luxury.” Whether the subject is financial debt or any other bondage, these words ring true. The desire for the luxurious, that which we believe will bring some sense of satisfaction or meet some felt need, temporarily hides the enormous cost. But the borrower finds himself slave to the lender, having voluntarily sold his liberty. It is often only in retrospect that we realize that liberty is a far greater prize than luxury. The message of the gospel of Christ is that He has purchased liberty. Freedom is found in Him. It is by understanding and embracing that message that we come to value and love liberty more than imaginary luxury. Perhaps you find yourself today a slave to something, and you feel helpless. The good news is that through Jesus, you are not helpless. Freedom from bondage is not easily accomplished, but it is attainable. It begins with recognizing that we will have to sell our false ideas of luxury in order to gain our liberty. It continues with recognizing we have no strength or wisdom, but God has poured out upon Jesus all the strength and wisdom that we need. And it is finally realized by walking with and obeying Him daily. He delights in setting prisoners free.