The United States has been consuming more than it has been producing for more than 30 years, making it the largest debtor nation in the world. Deuteronomy 28:43–44 warns against such indebtedness to foreigners. “Aliens residing among you shall ascend above you higher and higher, while you shall descend lower and lower. They shall lend to you but you shall not lend to them; they shall be the head and you shall be the tail.”

a. Is the trade deficit bad even if it can continue indefinitely?

b. Are there biblical precepts against living beyond one’s means that suggest any trade deficit is bad?

c. In what way is the Deuteronomist’s saying true for America today? (Religious)