Borrowing is mentioned in the Bible as something to approach with caution and responsibility. Today, we’ll see what Scripture teaches about borrowing and how to honor God in our financial and relational dealings.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Getting A Job
What Does The Bible Say About Borrowing Things
Exodus 22:14
“If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution.”
This verse highlights the importance of being responsible when borrowing something from someone. It emphasizes that if something is damaged or lost while in our possession, it is our responsibility to make it right and repay the owner.
It teaches us to be mindful of the things we borrow and to treat them with care, showing respect for the property of others.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the potential consequences that come with borrowing. It warns us about the dangers of being in debt and the potential loss of freedom that can come from relying on others for financial support.
It encourages us to seek financial wisdom and to be cautious about borrowing beyond our means, highlighting the importance of financial independence and self-sufficiency.
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 encourages us to be generous and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. It teaches us the importance of being gracious with our possessions and resources, allowing others to borrow from us when they require assistance.
It prompts us to cultivate a spirit of selflessness and compassion, understanding that our possessions are meant to be used to bless others and meet their needs.
Psalms 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse draws a contrast between the wicked and the righteous when it comes to borrowing. It warns against the unrighteousness of borrowing with no intention of repayment, highlighting the importance of integrity in our dealings with others.
It encourages us to be generous and giving, demonstrating righteousness through our actions and striving to bless others with what we have.
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 reminds us that when we lend or give to those in need, we are not only helping them but also lending to the Lord Himself. It emphasizes the divine importance of generosity and kindness towards the less fortunate.
It assures us that our acts of kindness will not go unnoticed by God, and He will reward us for our compassion and willingness to lend a hand.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our financial obligations and to avoid unnecessary debts. It emphasizes that our primary responsibility should be to love one another, showing kindness and compassion towards our fellow human beings.
It reminds us that true fulfillment lies not in accumulating material possessions but in loving and caring for one another as God has commanded.
Deuteronomy 15:6
“For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.”
This verse speaks of the blessings that come from being obedient to God’s commands, including financial prosperity. It assures us that when we follow God’s ways, He will provide for us and enable us to lend to others.
It emphasizes the importance of living within our means, avoiding unnecessary borrowing, and entrusting our financial well-being to God.
Proverbs 6:1-5
“My child, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my child, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go-to the point of exhaustion and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
This passage serves as a warning against becoming entangled in the obligations of others, especially through providing security or becoming a guarantor for someone’s debts. It urges us to take swift action to release ourselves from such commitments.
It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the need to protect our own financial well-being, being cautious about extending ourselves for others’ obligations.
Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 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 passage challenges us to move beyond the worldly mindset of lending only to those from whom we can expect repayment. It encourages us to have a heart of unconditional love and generosity, extending help to even our enemies.
It reminds us that our ultimate reward comes from God, who sees our acts of kindness and rewards those who imitate His character by showing kindness to the ungrateful and wicked.
Proverbs 20:16
“Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.”
This verse advises caution when it comes to offering security or collateral for a stranger’s debts. It suggests being wary of becoming involved in financial agreements with those we do not know or trust.
It encourages us to protect ourselves from potential harm by taking appropriate measures and not naively assuming responsibility for the obligations of others.
Psalms 15:5
“Who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
This verse commends those who lend money to the poor without charging interest or expecting anything in return. It applauds those who do not exploit the vulnerable for personal gain.
It assures us that those who act with integrity in their financial dealings will not be shaken or moved from their firm foundation of righteousness.
2 Kings 4:1-7
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.’ Elisha replied to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?’ ‘Your servant has nothing there at all,’ she said, ‘except a small jar of olive oil.’ Elisha said, ‘Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.’ She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.’ But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.'”
This story illustrates God’s provision through borrowing in a time of desperate need. The widow, facing the loss of her children to a creditor, sought help from Elisha. Through a miraculous multiplication of oil, she was able to collect enough to sell and pay off her debts.
It serves as a reminder that when we are in dire circumstances, God can make a way where there seems to be no way, providing us with what we need to overcome our challenges.
Psalms 37:26
“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”
This verse celebrates the generosity and willingness to lend that characterizes the righteous. It highlights that their actions not only bless others but also lead to blessings for their own families.
It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of generosity in our lives, reminding us that our generosity can have a lasting impact on future generations.
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”
This verse instructs us on how to approach lending to the poor among God’s people. It prohibits us from exploiting their situation by charging exorbitant interest rates or treating them harshly as moneylenders would.
It calls us to exercise compassion and fairness in our financial dealings, particularly with those who are less fortunate, demonstrating the love of God through our actions.
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 offers a cautionary warning against assuming financial obligations without considering the potential consequences. It advises against becoming responsible for debts that we cannot afford to repay.
It reminds us of the importance of financial prudence and encourages us to be wise in our decisions, avoiding unnecessary risks that could lead to loss or hardship.
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 passage reminds us that our focus should not be on accumulating earthly possessions, which are vulnerable to decay and theft. Instead, it encourages us to prioritize the accumulation of heavenly treasures, which have eternal value.
It challenges us to examine the desires of our hearts and to align them with God’s will, investing our resources in things that truly matter in the eyes of eternity.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse warns against the pursuit of pleasure and indulgence as a means of finding fulfillment. It highlights the futility of seeking material wealth through excessive consumption and desires for luxury.
It encourages us to prioritize contentment and to seek true riches that come from a life of righteousness and godliness.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This well-known verse emphasizes the dangers of prioritizing the love of money above all else. It reveals that the excessive desire for wealth can lead individuals away from their faith and into a multitude of troubles and sorrows.
It serves as a reminder to keep our hearts in check, placing our trust in God rather than in the pursuit of worldly riches.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse highlights the principle of sowing and reaping when it comes to generosity. It teaches us that those who are willing to give to the poor and share what they have will experience blessings in return.
It encourages us to cultivate a generous heart and to be mindful of the needs of others, knowing that our acts of kindness will not go unnoticed by God.
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
This passage challenges us not only to offer sympathetic words but also to take tangible actions to help those in need. It emphasizes that true compassion is demonstrated through practical assistance and provision for the physical needs of others.
It prompts us to be considerate of the practical needs of those around us, extending our help beyond superficial expressions of concern.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse highlights the principle of sowing and reaping when it comes to generosity. It teaches us that the measure of what we give directly affects the measure of what we will receive.
It encourages us to give willingly and cheerfully, without feeling compelled or obligated, as God loves those who give with a joyful heart.
Romans 13:7
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our financial obligations and responsibilities. It instructs us to meet our societal and financial commitments, including paying taxes and honoring our debts.
It encourages us to live with integrity and to be conscientious in fulfilling our obligations to both God and society.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
This verse exhorts us to guard our hearts against the love of money and to find contentment in God’s presence and provision. It assures us that we can trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will never abandon us.
It reminds us that true fulfillment and security are found in our relationship with God, not in the pursuit of material wealth.