Struggling with debt can be a weighty burden, affecting both our finances and peace of mind. In times of financial challenges, we often seek guidance and solace from various sources, including the wisdom found in ancient texts.
The Bible, a timeless reservoir of insights, offers verses that shed light on the concept of debt and managing it wisely. These verses not only provide practical advice but also inspire us to approach our financial concerns with faith and prudence.
Let’s delve into a handful of these empowering verses that remind us of the importance of financial responsibility and the path to financial freedom.
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Also Read: Top 22 Bible Verses About Fear and Anxiety (With Commentary)
Bible Verses About Debt
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Debt can trap us in a state of servitude, where we are constantly trying to repay what we owe. The Bible warns us about the consequences of being in debt and encourages us to exercise wisdom in our financial decisions.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
This verse reminds us to be diligent in paying off our debts, emphasizing the importance of love and responsibility towards others. Our focus should be on fulfilling our obligations rather than accumulating more debt.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.”
The Bible teaches us the importance of honoring our commitments, unlike the wicked who borrow with no intention of repayment. As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous and merciful, reflecting God’s character in our dealings with others.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Jesus warns against prioritizing money and material possessions over our relationship with God. Debt can easily become a form of serving money, leading us away from wholeheartedly serving and worshiping God.
Proverbs 21:20
“There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.”
God wants us to be wise stewards of our resources. Accumulating debt due to reckless spending or poor financial management is seen as foolish behavior. We should strive for financial wisdom and discernment.
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?”
This verse cautions against becoming a guarantor for someone else’s debts, especially if we lack the means to repay them. It reminds us of the potential consequences of being involved in financial agreements that we cannot fulfill.
Proverbs 6:1-5
“My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend. Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Continuing from the previous verse, this passage emphasizes the dangers of becoming a guarantor for someone else’s debts. It is a warning against making rash financial commitments that have the potential to ensnare and harm us.
Psalms 37:26
“He is ever merciful, and lends; and his seed is blessed.”
This verse speaks of the blessings that come to those who lend with a merciful heart. It encourages us to have a generous spirit and reminds us that God blesses those who show compassion and help others in need.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”
This verse highlights the importance of lending a helping hand to those who are in financial need. It teaches us to show compassion and generosity towards our fellow brothers and sisters, as God has shown us mercy.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
When we give to those in need, it is regarded as lending to the Lord. This verse assures us that God will repay our acts of generosity, emphasizing the reward and blessing that come from extending kindness and support to others.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and show mercy even when it may not be reciprocated. This verse encourages us to lend without expecting anything in return, reminding us that our ultimate reward comes from God, who is kind to all, regardless of their gratitude or actions.
Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
This verse emphasizes that blessings come to those who are generous in lending and who conduct their financial affairs with integrity and fairness. It encourages us to be people of integrity and to approach financial matters with a spirit of generosity.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse warns against increasing wealth at the expense of the poor. It reminds us that God is the ultimate provider and judge, and He will ensure that resources are ultimately directed to those in need, rather than being unfairly accumulated by the wealthy.
Deuteronomy 15:6
“For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.”
God promises to bless His people and enable them to lend to others, but not borrow. This assurance reflects God’s desire for us to be wise stewards of our resources and not fall into the bondage of debt.
Romans 13:7
“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our financial obligations, whether it be paying taxes or repaying debts. It challenges us to act with integrity and honor, recognizing the authority and responsibilities we have in our financial dealings.
Psalm 37:25
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”
This verse reminds us that God takes care of His righteous children and ensures their needs are met. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and have faith that He will not abandon us, even in times of financial struggle.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Rather than accumulating debts for personal gain, this verse challenges us to use our resources to help those in need. It urges us to be compassionate and selfless, extending a helping hand to both strangers and our own family members.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse highlights the contrast between seeking quick riches and faithfully managing our resources. It encourages us to be patient and diligent, trusting that God will provide according to His perfect timing.
Proverbs 17:18
“A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend.”
This verse warns against making financial commitments without adequate understanding or discernment. It cautions against blindly becoming responsible for the debts of others, urging us to exercise wisdom and prudence in our financial dealings.
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?”
This verse reiterates the importance of being cautious when making financial agreements that involve becoming a guarantor for someone else’s debts. It emphasizes the potential consequences and risks involved in such arrangements.
Proverbs 19:17
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.”
When we show generosity and compassion towards those in need, we are considered as lending to the Lord. This verse assures us that God will bless and repay our acts of kindness and giving, emphasizing the rewards of selflessness.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
Jesus teaches us to be generous and selfless in our giving. This verse encourages us to willingly help others, even if it means lending to those in need. It reminds us to be open-hearted and not to turn away from those who seek assistance from us.
Proverbs 13:22
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wise financial planning and leaving a legacy for future generations. It highlights the contrast between the temporary wealth of the unrighteous and the enduring provision that God ensures for the righteous.
Leviticus 25:35-37
“If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of treating those in need with compassion and fairness. It instructs us not to take advantage of their vulnerability by charging excessive interest or profiting from their misfortune. Instead, we are called to help them, reflecting God’s kindness and love.
Proverbs 17:16
“Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since they have no desire to get wisdom?”
This verse highlights the futility of accumulating wealth without the wisdom to use it wisely. It reminds us that true financial success comes from aligning our choices with God’s wisdom and seeking His guidance in our financial decisions.
What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
The Bible offers various insights and teachings about debt, emphasizing principles of financial responsibility, stewardship, and care for one another. While it doesn’t explicitly forbid borrowing or lending, it does provide wisdom and guidance on how to approach debt:
- Avoidance of Enslavement: The Bible warns against becoming enslaved by debt. In Proverbs 22:7, it states that “the borrower is slave to the lender,” highlighting the potential loss of freedom and autonomy that excessive debt can bring.
- Stewardship and Responsibility: The Bible encourages responsible stewardship of resources. This includes managing finances wisely to avoid unnecessary debt burdens. Romans 13:8 advises, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
- Honest Repayment: The Bible emphasizes the importance of repaying debts. Psalm 37:21 states, “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” Fulfilling financial obligations is seen as a righteous act.
- Care for the Needy: While warning against burdensome debt, the Bible also advocates for lending to those in need. Exodus 22:25 cautions against charging interest to the poor, ensuring their well-being is prioritized.
- Countering Materialism: The Bible teaches against prioritizing material wealth and the accumulation of possessions. Debt can potentially lead to materialistic tendencies, which are cautioned against in passages like 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
- Trust in God’s Provision: The Bible encourages trust in God’s provision rather than relying solely on financial strategies. Matthew 6:25-34 advises believers not to worry about material needs, as God cares for them.
- Wise Counsel and Planning: Proverbs 24:3-4 highlights the importance of wisdom and understanding in building a house, which can be interpreted as financial planning. Seeking counsel and careful consideration before entering into debt is advised.
In summary, while the Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn borrowing or lending, its teachings revolve around responsible financial stewardship, honest repayment, care for the needy, and a cautious approach to debt to avoid becoming enslaved by it. The principles outlined in the Bible encourage individuals to prioritize their relationships with God, others, and the wise management of resources.