The Bible speaks of debts in both financial and spiritual terms, reminding us of God’s grace and calling us to extend it to others. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about handling debts and living with generosity.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Debtors
What Does The Bible Say About Debts
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse highlights the potential consequences of being in debt. It emphasizes that being indebted to someone can lead to a sense of bondage and loss of control. It is a reminder to be wise and cautious when it comes to borrowing money or taking on financial obligations.
Additionally, it encourages cultivating a mindset of financial responsibility and avoiding the trap of being indebted to others, which can hinder one’s ability to live a life of freedom and independence.
Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wise financial management. It encourages prudence and foresight in storing up resources for the future. It warns against impulsive and reckless spending habits that can lead to financial troubles, including accumulating debt.
By urging us to be wise in our financial choices, this verse encourages us to prioritize saving and to avoid excessive consumption, which can lead to financial instability and the burden of debt.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous when it comes to debts. It highlights the importance of integrity and righteousness in financial matters.
The righteous are characterized by their generosity and willingness to give. They understand that borrowing carries a responsibility to repay what is owed. In contrast, the wicked are depicted as those who borrow with no intention of fulfilling their obligations.
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 emphasizes the importance of being prompt and responsible in fulfilling our financial obligations. It encourages us not to delay or withhold what is rightfully due to others.
By urging us to act with integrity and fairness in financial matters, this verse reminds us to honor our commitments and to avoid accumulating debts through procrastination or dishonesty.
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 reminds us of the significance of love and fulfilling our responsibilities. It encourages us not to let debts linger and burden others or ourselves.
While financial debts are to be taken seriously and repaid, the verse also highlights the debt of love that we owe to one another. It challenges us to prioritize love and compassion towards others, recognizing that fulfilling this debt surpasses any financial obligations we may have.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches the importance of forgiveness. It acknowledges that we all have debts and shortcomings, both in financial matters and in our relationships.
By asking God for forgiveness of our debts, this verse prompts us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards others. It reminds us that just as we seek forgiveness, we should also extend forgiveness to those who owe us financially or have wronged us in other ways.
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 instructs the Israelites on their treatment of the poor and those who are experiencing financial difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, generosity, and fair treatment.
It discourages exploiting others’ vulnerabilities by charging interest or making a profit from lending money or selling essential goods. Instead, it encourages a mindset of empathy and assistance, helping those in need to sustain themselves and continue living as part of the community.
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 challenges us to be generous and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. It encourages a spirit of compassion and selflessness, extending assistance to those who are less fortunate or facing financial hardships.
While this verse teaches about lending, it is important to exercise discernment and wisdom in offering financial assistance. It should be done in a way that promotes the well-being and growth of the individual, rather than enabling long-term dependence or enabling destructive behavior.
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 expresses God’s promise to provide abundance and prosperity to the people who follow His commands. It assures the Israelites that if they remain obedient to God, they will not accumulate debts or become dependent on others.
It reminds us of the blessings that can come from living in alignment with God’s principles, including financial stability and freedom from the burden of debt.
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 calls for a radical approach to lending and financial generosity. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return.
It challenges us to break free from self-centeredness and to imitate God’s kindness and generosity. By lending without expecting repayment, we demonstrate the character of God and become true children of the Most High.
Psalm 37:26
“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”
This verse honors those who are generous and willing to lend freely. It emphasizes the positive impact of such actions not only on the borrower but also on future generations.
By displaying a spirit of generosity and freely lending to those in need, we set an example for our children and contribute to a legacy of blessing that extends beyond ourselves.
Romans 13:7
“Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our financial obligations and honoring the authorities that govern us. It encourages us to be responsible citizens, paying the taxes and other financial dues that are required of us.
By honoring our commitments and practicing integrity in financial matters, we demonstrate our respect for authority and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
Proverbs 17:18
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
This verse warns against making financial commitments or guarantees on behalf of others without proper consideration or wisdom. It cautions against acting impulsively or without due diligence.
It encourages us to exercise discernment and caution when it comes to guaranteeing someone else’s debt, emphasizing the importance of sound judgment and thoughtful decision-making in financial matters.
Proverbs 6:1-2
“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.”
This verse highlights the potential negative consequences of acting as a guarantor for another person’s debts. It underscores the importance of considering the implications and potential risks before making such commitments.
It serves as a reminder to exercise caution and wisdom, not allowing ourselves to be entrapped or burdened by the financial obligations of others.
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of acquiring wealth through dishonest means versus accumulating it gradually and honestly. It highlights the importance of integrity and patience in financial matters.
By emphasizing the value of acquiring wealth little by little, this verse encourages us to prioritize honesty and diligence. It discourages shortcuts or unethical practices that can lead to financial instability and ultimately the burden of debt.
Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
This verse teaches the importance of wise financial planning and considering the costs before undertaking any significant financial endeavor.
It encourages us to be proactive and meticulous in our financial decision-making, carefully assessing whether we have the necessary resources to fulfill our financial responsibilities without accumulating excessive debts.
Proverbs 27:13
“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 and prudence when it comes to acting as a guarantor for someone else’s debts. It suggests withholding any collateral or belongings that were used as security.
It warns us against being too quick to trust strangers or taking on financial risks for individuals who may not have our best interests in mind.
Deuteronomy 23:19
“Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.”
This verse instructs the Israelites not to charge interest to their fellow countrymen, highlighting the importance of fair and just financial practices within the community.
It encourages a mindset of compassion and understanding, avoiding exploitative financial practices that can lead to the accumulation of debt and the oppression of others.
Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
This verse highlights the link between financial responsibility and spiritual growth. It suggests that our stewardship of worldly wealth is connected to our ability to receive greater spiritual blessings.
By emphasizing the importance of trustworthiness and integrity in financial matters, this verse challenges us to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us, recognizing that our actions in this area reflect our character and trustworthiness.
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 significance of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate. It emphasizes that when we show kindness to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself.
It encourages us to prioritize acts of kindness and generosity, recognizing that our offerings to those in need are ultimately investments in eternity, with God promising to reward us for our actions.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth at any cost. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and contentment in financial matters.
It encourages us to prioritize integrity and faithfulness over the desire for immediate wealth, recognizing that true blessings come from living a life of righteousness and trust in God.