Borrowing is mentioned in the Bible, with principles that encourage wisdom and responsibility. Whether it’s financial borrowing or relying on others, Scripture offers guidance. Today, we’ll look at what the Bible teaches about borrowing and stewardship.
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What Does The Bible Say About Borrowing
Deuteronomy 15:6
For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.
This verse emphasizes that when we live in obedience to God’s commandments, He promises to bless us abundantly. One aspect of this blessing is the ability to lend to others without needing to borrow ourselves. It is a reminder that God is our ultimate provider and that He desires for us to be financially secure.
By following God’s principles of stewardship and wise financial management, we can experience His promise of being lenders and not borrowers, which brings financial stability and the ability to bless others in need.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
This verse highlights the potential consequences of borrowing without proper management. When we become indebted to others, we are in a sense enslaved to them, as it limits our freedom and choices. It serves as a reminder to exercise caution and wisdom when borrowing money or taking on financial obligations.
Instead, the verse encourages us to seek financial wisdom, live within our means, and strive to become lenders rather than borrowers. By doing so, we can experience greater financial freedom and avoid the potential hardships associated with being in debt.
Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.
This verse draws a contrast between the actions of the wicked and the righteous when it comes to borrowing. It highlights the importance of integrity and responsibility in financial matters. The wicked are characterized by borrowing without the intention or ability to repay, while the righteous are characterized by their generosity and willingness to give.
As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity in all areas of life, including our finances. This verse reminds us to be responsible borrowers who honor our commitments and to be generous givers who bless others with what we have been entrusted.
Proverbs 22:26-27
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
This verse serves as a warning against entering into financial agreements that we cannot fulfill. It cautions against becoming a guarantor or pledging resources as security for someone else’s debts.
The consequences of such actions may lead to the loss of personal possessions and financial instability. It encourages us to exercise wisdom and discernment before making commitments that could potentially put our own well-being at risk.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse highlights the spiritual aspect of lending and borrowing. When we show kindness and generosity to those in need, it is considered as lending to the Lord Himself. God promises to reward us for our acts of compassion and to bless us in return for our generosity.
It encourages us to have a heart of compassion and to view lending or giving to the poor as an opportunity to partner with God in His work of providing for those in need. When we lend to the Lord, we can trust that He will bless us abundantly in various areas of our lives.
Psalms 112:5
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
This verse affirms the positive outcomes that result from generous lending and conducting our affairs with justice and integrity. When we are generous with our resources and lend freely, we position ourselves to receive blessings from God.
It encourages us to view lending as an opportunity to make a positive impact, not only on the borrower but also in our own lives. By conducting our financial affairs with justice and integrity, we establish a solid foundation for blessings to flow into our lives.
Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
This verse is a call to generosity and selflessness, urging us not to turn away those who come to us in need. It challenges us to be open-hearted and willing to help others, even if it involves lending them resources or money.
By extending a helping hand without expecting anything in return, we reflect the love and compassion of Christ. It reminds us that our possessions are ultimately temporary and that we are stewards entrusted with resources to bless others.
Psalm 37:26
They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.
This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity and freely lending to others. Those who choose to live this way are promised that their children will be a blessing.
Generosity is a virtue that can be passed down through generations, creating a lasting impact and blessing for our families. It reminds us that our actions today have the potential to shape the future of our children and generations to come.
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
This verse challenges us to extend love and kindness not only to those who are friendly and grateful but also to our enemies and those who may not reciprocate our kindness. It encourages us to lend to others without expecting anything in return.
By doing so, we demonstrate the character of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. It reminds us that true generosity goes beyond mere transactions; it is a reflection of our identity as children of the Most High, who loves unconditionally.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
This verse emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of giving and lending. It encourages us to be generous in our giving, knowing that our generosity will be multiplied in return.
When we sow sparingly, we limit the potential harvest, but when we sow generously, we open ourselves up to a bountiful harvest of blessings. It serves as a reminder to approach lending and giving with a mindset of abundance and trust.
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 exploiting the poor for personal gain or wealth accumulation. It highlights the importance of treating the poor with fairness and kindness.
Those who take advantage of the poor through exorbitant interest rates or unfair business practices ultimately accumulate wealth that will be transferred to others who are more compassionate towards the poor. It prompts us to consider the ethical implications of our financial decisions and to prioritize justice and compassion.
Proverbs 19:22
What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.
This verse reminds us that true wealth is found in unfailing love rather than material possessions. It cautions against deceit and prioritizes moral integrity over financial gain.
It encourages us to focus on cultivating genuine relationships and character rather than obsessing over worldly wealth. It serves as a reminder to prioritize truthfulness and honesty in all areas of life, including our financial dealings.
Proverbs 17:18
One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
This verse underscores the importance of discernment and wisdom in financial matters. It warns against entering into agreements or pledging resources without carefully considering the potential consequences.
It encourages us to exercise prudence and avoid becoming entangled in financial obligations that we may not be able to fulfill. It reminds us to seek God’s guidance and exercise sound judgment in our financial decisions.
Proverbs 22:16
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
This verse highlights the consequences of exploiting the poor or seeking favor through gifts to the rich. It asserts that such actions ultimately lead to poverty.
It serves as a reminder for us to value justice and compassion above wealth accumulation. By treating others with fairness and generosity, we align ourselves with God’s heart and set ourselves up for long-term prosperity in all aspects of life.
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This verse reminds us of the transient nature of earthly wealth and possessions. It urges us to prioritize eternal treasures in heaven over temporary material wealth.
It challenges us to examine our hearts and consider where our true priorities and treasures lie. By investing in heavenly treasures through acts of generosity and lending, we align ourselves with God’s eternal purposes and secure lasting rewards.
Proverbs 14:21
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
This verse highlights the spiritual significance of our treatment towards the poor and needy. It reveals that how we treat those who are less fortunate reflects our attitude towards God.
When we show compassion, kindness, and lend a helping hand to the poor, we honor God and demonstrate our love for Him. It serves as a reminder to view lending and generosity as a way to worship and serve our Creator.
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
This verse highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and money. It asserts that we must choose one as our master, as they have competing interests.
It prompts us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that our allegiance lies with God rather than with the pursuit of wealth. When we recognize God as our ultimate provider and submit our finances to His lordship, we can experience true fulfillment and freedom.
Psalms 112:5-6
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.
This verse reinforces the connection between generosity, justice, and stability in the lives of the righteous. It promises that those who are generous and lend freely will experience goodness and will never be shaken.
It encourages us to maintain integrity in our financial dealings and to have a mindset of abundance and generosity. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings and establish a lasting legacy of righteousness.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20
Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.
This verse provides guidance on the lending practices within the Israelite community. It forbids charging interest to fellow Israelites but permits charging interest to foreigners.
It underscores the importance of fairness and compassion within the community of believers. By adhering to these principles, they could experience God’s blessings and prosperity in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the well-being of our fellow believers in our financial dealings.
Leviticus 25:35-37
If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of the Israelites to care for their fellow community members who became impoverished. It instructs them to provide support and assistance without demanding interest or profit in return.
It highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and fairness in our interactions with those in need. It reminds us to view lending and generosity as opportunities to express the love of God and contribute to the well-being of our community.
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.
This verse challenges our motivations behind lending and emphasizes the importance of selfless and unconditional love. It encourages us to lend without expecting anything in return, even to those from whom we may not receive repayment.
Such acts of love reflect our identity as children of the Most High, who is kind to all, regardless of their response. It reminds us to demonstrate God’s love in our lending and to trust that our reward comes from Him, rather than from the borrower.
Proverbs 28:27
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
This verse highlights the correlation between giving to the poor and experiencing abundance. It assures that those who are generous and lend to those in need will lack nothing.
It serves as a reminder to keep our hearts and eyes open towards the needs of the poor and marginalized. By being compassionate and generous, we invite God’s blessings into our lives and align ourselves with His heart for justice and provision.
Proverbs 21:17
Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
This verse cautions against prioritizing pleasure, indulgence, and material desires over responsible financial management. It warns that those who pursue immediate gratification and lavish lifestyles may find themselves in poverty.
It encourages us to cultivate discipline, contentment, and wise stewardship of our resources. By focusing on long-term financial health and prioritizing godly principles, we position ourselves for greater abundance and satisfaction.