Debt is a practical issue many face, and the Bible has wisdom to share. Today, we will learn what Scripture says about asking for debt and how it guides us toward responsible financial decisions.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Ask Jesus
What Does The Bible Say About Asking For Debt
Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.
This verse reminds us that as believers, we should not be like the wicked who borrow but do not repay. Instead, we are called to be righteous and show mercy by fulfilling our financial obligations.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
This verse emphasizes the consequences of being in debt. When we borrow, we put ourselves in a position of being enslaved to the lender. It serves as a reminder to be wise and cautious in our financial decisions.
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Paul encourages believers to be debt-free, with the exception of the debt of love towards one another. This verse teaches us that love should take precedence over financial obligations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy relationships.
Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness of our debts, acknowledging our own need for forgiveness from God. This verse highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others in our daily lives.
Proverbs 3:27-28
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
This verse encourages us to be responsible and prompt in meeting our financial commitments. It reminds us not to delay or procrastinate in fulfilling our obligations when we have the means to do so, promoting integrity and trustworthiness.
Luke 6:34-35
And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Jesus encourages us not to lend with the expectation of gaining something in return but instead to lend with a spirit of generosity and love. This verse challenges us to go beyond societal norms and demonstrate the character of God in our financial dealings.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2
At the end of every seven years, you shall grant a release. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.
God instituted a practice of debt cancellation every seven years, known as the Year of Jubilee. This verse emphasizes the importance of compassion and mercy in dealing with debts, aligning with the character of God.
Proverbs 17:18
One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.
Here, the Bible warns against acting foolishly by pledging or guaranteeing someone else’s debt without careful consideration. It reminds us to exercise wisdom and discernment in financial matters to avoid unnecessary burdens.
Proverbs 21:20
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
This verse teaches the value of prudent financial planning and saving. It encourages us to be wise stewards of our resources, preparing for the future rather than indulging in impulsive spending.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Forgiveness is not only related to debt, but also extends to all areas of our lives. This verse teaches us about the limitless nature of forgiveness, reminding us to be gracious and forgiving towards others, just as God forgives us.
Proverbs 22:26-27
Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
This verse advises against being quick to give pledges or guarantees for debts, especially if we do not have the means to repay them. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary financial burdens and protecting our possessions.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to provide for their families and meet their financial needs. It reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our obligations and practicing good stewardship within our homes.
Proverbs 6:1-2
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth,
This verse cautions against hasty commitments and serving as a guarantor for others without thoughtful consideration. It warns against the potential consequences and burden that can arise from imprudent financial agreements.
Luke 14:28-30
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of financial planning and considering the cost before undertaking any significant endeavor. It serves as a reminder to be wise and intentional in our financial decisions to avoid unnecessary setbacks or embarrassment.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
This verse speaks to the principle of patience and diligence in building wealth. It encourages us to be steady and disciplined in our financial pursuits, recognizing that quick and careless gain is often fleeting.
James 4:13-15
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
This passage encourages humility and acknowledges God’s sovereignty in our lives and financial endeavors. It reminds us to seek His guidance and submit our plans to His will, recognizing that our lives are temporary and subject to His ultimate control.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
This verse reminds us that true wealth and prosperity come from the blessing of the Lord. It encourages us to seek His favor and guidance, knowing that His provision brings joy and contentment without the burdens that worldly wealth can bring.
Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
This verse challenges us to prioritize eternal treasures over worldly possessions. It teaches us the importance of generosity and investing in the kingdom of God, recognizing that our true treasure is found in Him.
Proverbs 11:15
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
This verse warns against the dangers of serving as a guarantor for someone we do not know well. It advises against entering into risky financial agreements that can lead to harm or loss, promoting caution and discernment.
Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.
This verse speaks to the blessings that come from a generous and just lifestyle. It encourages us to be open-handed and fair in our financial dealings, knowing that God rewards those who walk in integrity.
1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
This verse calls believers to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, including our finances. It reminds us to be responsible, trustworthy, and accountable in managing our resources for His glory and kingdom purposes.
Proverbs 28:8
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
This verse highlights the principle of generosity, suggesting that accumulating wealth through usury and profit ultimately leads to loss, while generosity towards the poor brings blessings. It encourages us to prioritize acts of kindness over self-centered gain.
Psalm 62:10
Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
This verse warns against trusting in ill-gotten gains or becoming overly attached to material wealth. It reminds us to place our trust and hope in God, recognizing that true security and fulfillment come from Him alone.
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
This verse contrasts the blessings that come from faithfulness and patience with the potential negative consequences of hasty pursuits of wealth. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and trust in the Lord’s provision.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This verse reassures believers that God is the ultimate provider, promising to meet all our needs according to His abundant riches. It encourages us to place our trust in Him and rely on His provision rather than worrying about material possessions.