Debt is a common issue in life, and the Bible gives practical advice on managing it wisely. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about being a debtor and how to honor God in financial decisions.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Deborah
What Does The Bible Say About Debtors
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse highlights the consequences of being in debt. It emphasizes the power dynamics that can arise when one person owes money to another. Debt can lead to a sense of bondage and lack of control, as the borrower becomes beholden to the lender. It serves as a cautionary reminder to exercise wisdom and discernment when borrowing money.
Psalms 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse draws a contrast between the behavior of the wicked and the righteous when it comes to borrowing. While the wicked may borrow with no intention of repaying, the righteous are characterized by their generosity. It encourages believers to be faithful in both borrowing and lending, ensuring that their actions align with God’s principles of integrity and generosity.
Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
This verse advises believers to be diligent in fulfilling their financial obligations. It emphasizes the importance of promptly repaying debts, highlighting the virtue of integrity in financial matters. However, it also reminds us that our primary debt is to love one another, which is a debt that should always remain outstanding.
Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This verse speaks to the importance of financial prudence and planning. The wise are depicted as individuals who save and store up resources for the future, while the foolish are described as impulsive spenders who consume everything without thought. It calls for believers to exercise wisdom in managing their finances and to avoid recklessness and wastefulness.
Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
This verse underscores the value of financial stewardship and thinking beyond the present. It suggests that a righteous individual considers the well-being of future generations and seeks to leave a legacy through wise financial decisions and provisions. In contrast, the wealth of those who disregard God’s ways may ultimately benefit the righteous in the long run.
Proverbs 17:18
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
This verse warns against thoughtless financial commitments made on behalf of others. It cautions against becoming a guarantor for someone without careful consideration and discernment. It encourages believers to weigh the implications and potential risks before assuming financial responsibility for others.
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 reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our devotion. It highlights the inherent conflict between serving God and pursuing wealth. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and ensure that they are not being consumed by the pursuit of material possessions or financial success, but rather placing God above all else in their lives.
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 issues a cautionary warning against reckless financial commitments. It discourages the act of entering into agreements or assuming debts without the means to fulfill them. It emphasizes the potential consequences of such actions, which can lead to loss and instability in one’s life.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you.”
This verse promotes honesty, integrity, and promptness in financial matters. It encourages believers to fulfill their obligations and not delay in providing assistance or fulfilling their commitments to others. It reminds us that our actions should be guided by principles of fairness and kindness.
Proverbs 6:1-5
“My son, 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 son, 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 warns against the perils of co-signing loans for others. It stresses the importance of evaluating the potential risks involved and encourages taking proactive steps to resolve the situation if one finds themselves ensnared in financial obligations as a result of guaranteeing someone else’s debt.
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 dangers of unscrupulous financial practices and the use of unjust means to accumulate wealth. It warns against exploiting the less fortunate in an attempt to enhance personal financial gain. It reminds believers that righteousness and fairness should be the guiding principles in all financial dealings.
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 believers to be generous and willing to help others in need. It emphasizes the virtue of giving and lending without hesitation or selfishness. It challenges us to be open-handed and to trust in God’s provision as we extend compassion and support to those around us.
Proverbs 11:15
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.”
This verse warns against assuming financial responsibility for strangers without careful consideration. It makes it clear that such actions can lead to negative consequences and advises against taking on unnecessary risks. It encourages believers to exercise discernment and wisdom in their financial dealings.
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 believers to go beyond societal norms and expectations in their lending practices. It encourages lending without expecting anything in return, even to those who may be considered enemies. It emphasizes the principle of love and kindness, reflecting the character of God and His generous nature.
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 verse serves as a cautionary reminder that the pursuit of wealth can have detrimental effects on one’s faith and well-being. It warns against allowing the love of money to become a driving force in our lives, as it can lead to spiritual and emotional harm. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above worldly pursuits.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
This passage highlights the importance of compassion and generosity towards those in need. It instructs believers to have a generous and open-handed attitude, freely lending to those who require assistance. It reinforces the principle of caring for one another and extending help to those who are less fortunate.
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 believers that acts of kindness and generosity towards the poor are considered as loans to the Lord Himself. It emphasizes the eternal reward that awaits those who compassionately assist those in need. It encourages believers to view their financial resources as a means of serving God and blessing others.
James 2:15-17
“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? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
This passage highlights the importance of practical assistance and tangible help for those who are in need. It reinforces the idea that faith without action is empty and meaningless. It challenges believers to actively engage in meeting the physical and material needs of others, including financial support when necessary.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts the attitudes and actions of those who disregard or mistreat their neighbors with those who are generous and compassionate towards the poor. It emphasizes the spiritual blessings and favor that come from demonstrating kindness and generosity to those in need. It calls believers to be actively involved in helping the less fortunate and treating others with respect and dignity.
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 denounces the exploitation of the poor for personal financial gain. It warns against unjust practices, such as charging excessive interest or profiting at the expense of the less fortunate. It highlights the principle of divine justice and the ultimate transfer of wealth to those who are compassionate and kind towards the poor.
Proverbs 19:22
“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty over material wealth. It highlights the value of true and steadfast love, which surpasses any material possessions or temporary gain. It challenges believers to prioritize character and righteousness, even if it means facing financial difficulties.
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 reaffirms the principle that those who generously assist the poor will not experience lack. It underscores the blessings and provision that come from a lifestyle of giving and caring for the less fortunate. Conversely, it warns against selfishness and indifference towards those in need, as it can lead to negative consequences.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
This passage speaks to the importance of meeting the practical needs of others, including financial assistance when required. It presents a vision of righteous living that extends beyond mere words and underscores the necessity of compassionate action. It challenges believers to actively engage in acts of kindness and support towards those in various forms of need.
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
This passage challenges believers to be intentional in their acts of generosity and hospitality. It encourages extending kindness and support to those who cannot reciprocate or offer anything in return. It emphasizes the eternal rewards that come from selfless giving and highlights the heart of God towards the marginalized and vulnerable.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“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 encourages believers to approach giving with a joyful and willing heart. It emphasizes the importance of personal conviction and choice in determining the amount and manner of giving. It reminds us that our motivation should come from a place of love and gratitude towards God, rather than obligation or external pressure.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
This verse challenges believers to examine their attachment to material possessions and to prioritize the care and support of the poor above personal accumulation. It encourages a radical shift in perspective, viewing investments in heavenly treasures as far more valuable and secure than temporal wealth. It invites believers to embrace a lifestyle of sacrificial giving and eternal investment.
James 5:4
“Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”
This verse serves as a warning against exploitative labor practices and injustices in the workplace. It reminds employers of their responsibility to pay fair wages and treat workers with dignity and respect. It underscores God’s attentiveness to the cries of the oppressed and the ultimate accountability for those who mistreat others in financial matters.