Article 1, Section 8, Paragraphs 1-4
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
Naturalization
Congress is to set a uniform standard for bankruptcy in the U.S. This is something that should be fair from the richest to the poorest. A uniform standard insures all debtors are equally treated. Christ Jesus condemned the lack of uniformity of this in a parable.
Matthew 18:32-34, "Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him."
It should be noted that bankruptcy was handled very well in Scripture. A person that could not pay his debts could give himself as a servant to another who would pay the debts. As a servant he would learn to responsibly and properly do business until the next Sabbath year came. At this point he was released to start his own business again, but on a much more responsible level. If he chose not to take back his inheritance, he could covenant to remain a servant.
 |
 |
 |
