Lending money can impact friendships, and the Bible provides wisdom on how to handle it. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about lending and the importance of trust and honesty in our relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Love
What Does The Bible Say About Lending Money To Friends
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 emphasizes the importance of being generous and lending a helping hand to those in need. When we lend to the poor, we are not only assisting our fellow human beings but also showing kindness to the Lord. In return, God promises to reward us for our acts of kindness and generosity.
Lending money to friends should be approached with the same spirit of kindness and generosity, with the understanding that our ultimate trust is in God to bless and provide. It is important to lend without expecting anything in return and to be mindful of others’ needs and circumstances when making the decision to lend.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse reminds us of the potential consequences of borrowing and the power dynamics that can arise from financial transactions. When we lend money to friends, we must be aware that the borrower may become indebted to us, potentially leading to a loss of freedom or control in their lives.
It is crucial to approach lending to friends with wisdom and discernment, considering the impact it may have on both parties involved. Communication, transparency, and clear expectations are key in maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding potential issues or misunderstandings that could arise from financial transactions.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous and giving, distinguishing ourselves from the wicked who may borrow with no intention of repaying. When considering lending money to friends, it is important to discern their character and attitude toward financial commitments.
As the righteous, our focus should be on giving freely and generously, without expecting repayment. However, it is also crucial to exercise discernment and wisdom in discerning whether lending to a particular friend aligns with their character and ability to fulfill their financial obligations.
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.”
When lending money to friends, it is important to do so willingly and cheerfully, without feeling obligated or coerced. This verse reminds us that God values a generous heart and cheerful giving.
If we approach lending with reluctance or a sense of compulsion, it may lead to resentment or strain in the friendship. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate our motives and make lending decisions with a cheerful heart, trusting in God’s provision and guidance.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Showing generosity to those in need, including our friends, is considered a blessing according to this verse. Rather than despising our neighbors, we are called to demonstrate kindness and compassion.
When considering lending money to friends, it is vital to check our hearts and ensure our motives align with God’s command to be generous. Lending should not be driven by selfishness or a desire to gain power or control over others but should be motivated by love and a genuine desire to help.
Proverbs 17:18
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder not to enter into financial agreements without careful consideration. When lending money to friends, it is important to exercise wisdom and discernment, taking into account the risks and potential consequences.
Agreeing to be a guarantor or accepting collateral should not be taken lightly, as it can have a significant impact on our own financial well-being and potentially strain the relationship with our friend. It is essential to carefully evaluate the situation and seek God’s guidance before making such commitments.
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 our friends but also to our enemies. It encourages lending without expecting anything in return, reflecting the boundless love and grace of God.
While this verse specifically refers to lending to enemies, it reminds us of the value of selfless giving without expecting repayment, even when lending money to friends. It is a reminder to check our motives and extend grace, just as our Heavenly Father has shown us.
Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
This verse assures us that goodness will come to those who are generous and lend freely. By conducting our affairs with justice and kindness, we align ourselves with God’s heart and can trust in His blessings.
When lending money to friends, it is essential to do so with integrity and fairness. We should strive to honor our commitments and fulfill our obligations while also considering the needs and circumstances of those we are helping.
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.”
This verse provides guidance on how to approach lending to those in need. It highlights the importance of lending without expecting any financial gain in return.
When lending money to friends, it is important not to treat it as a business transaction but rather as an act of kindness and assistance. Charging interest can create unnecessary burdens and strain relationships, so it is best to approach lending with a pure heart and a desire to help.
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.”
God’s instructions in this verse urge His people to be compassionate and generous towards those in need among their community. They emphasize the importance of not being selfish or reluctant to lend a helping hand, particularly to fellow believers.
When considering lending money to friends, it is crucial to adopt the same spirit of compassion and openness. We should not allow a tightfisted or hardhearted approach to impede our ability to assist those who require financial support.
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 reflects the reality that ill-gotten wealth, especially at the expense of the poor, will eventually be transferred to others who will show kindness instead.
When lending money to friends, it is crucial to prioritize kindness over personal gain. Our focus should be on helping others rather than seeking to profit from their difficult circumstances. By choosing to lend with pure motives and a compassionate heart, we align ourselves with God’s desire to bless and provide for those in need.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus’s words in this verse encourage us to be open-hearted and willing to give, even when it may feel inconvenient or uncomfortable. It emphasizes the importance of assisting those who seek our help, including requests for borrowing.
When approached by friends in need of financial support, it is important to prayerfully consider how we can fulfill this biblical mandate. While discernment is necessary, we should seek to exemplify Christ’s love by being generous and considerate with our resources.
Psalm 37:26
“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”
This verse describes the characteristics of the righteous, emphasizing their generosity and willingness to lend freely. It suggests that such actions have an impact not only on their own lives but also on future generations, with their children being blessed as a result.
When lending money to friends, we should strive to embody these characteristics of generosity and openness. By doing so, we not only bless our friends in need but also set an example for our children and others to follow.
Luke 14:12-14
“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.”
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to extend hospitality and generosity specifically to those who may not be able to repay us. He assures us that our genuine acts of kindness and lending will not go unnoticed in God’s sight.
When lending money to friends, we can apply the principle of selfless giving found in this verse. Instead of expecting repayment or seeking to benefit socially, we should prioritize helping those in need, regardless of their ability to repay us.
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
This verse portrays a woman of noble character who demonstrates compassion and kindness towards the poor and needy. Her actions exemplify the call to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.
As Christians, we should aspire to emulate this attitude of generosity and care for others. When considering lending money to friends, we should approach it with open arms and a willingness to extend our hands to those in need, providing support and assistance as best we can.
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 to go beyond mere words and to take action to meet the tangible needs of others. It highlights the importance of providing practical assistance to those in need rather than only offering empty platitudes.
When lending money to friends, it is essential to genuinely address their financial needs rather than simply acknowledging them. We should discern how we can provide meaningful support and be proactive in helping them navigate their challenges.
Proverbs 19:6
“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.”
This verse reminds us that people may be inclined to befriend those who offer them gifts or financial favors. It acknowledges the reality that relationships can be influenced by materialistic motives.
When lending money to friends, it is essential to ensure that we are not motivated by a desire to gain favor or influence. Our generosity should stem from a genuine desire to help, rather than from an expectation of reciprocity or personal gain.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
With these words, Paul teaches us the value and blessing that comes from giving rather than receiving. He encourages us to extend a helping hand to those who are weak or in need, following the example set by Jesus Himself.
When considering lending money to friends, we should remember this biblical principle. Our motivation should be to bless others and experience the joy that comes from selflessly giving, rather than expecting personal gain or benefit.
Proverbs 21:26
“All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.”
This verse draws a contrast between those who are constantly seeking more and those who give generously without holding back. It highlights the righteous as individuals who possess a spirit of generosity.
When lending money to friends, we should strive to be like the righteous described in this verse, giving without reservation or reluctance. Our focus should be on meeting the needs of others rather than accumulating more for ourselves.
Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our debts and obligations. However, he highlights that the ongoing responsibility we have is to love one another.
When lending money to friends, it is crucial to establish clear expectations and a plan for repayment to avoid causing strain in the relationship. By doing so, we honor our commitment to love one another and maintain healthy, trustworthy interactions.
Matthew 6:2-4
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus instructs His followers to give to the needy with humility and without seeking recognition or honor from others. He emphasizes the importance of giving with a sincere and selfless heart.
When lending money to friends, it is essential to align our hearts with the principles outlined in this verse. We should aim to lend discreetly, without broadcasting our generosity, and trust God to see and reward our acts of kindness.
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 conveys the principle that those who give to the poor will not lack anything, while those who ignore or neglect the needs of others may face negative consequences.
When lending money to friends, it is important to grasp the significance of this biblical truth. By extending a helping hand, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings and favor. Neglecting the needs of others, on the other hand, may lead to detrimental circumstances.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the benefits that come from a generous and giving heart. It contrasts the outcomes of freely giving versus withholding and emphasizes the rewards of generosity.
When lending money to friends, it is crucial to adopt a mindset of generosity rather than holding back out of fear or selfishness. By doing so, we position ourselves to experience the blessings and refreshment that come from walking in obedience to God’s Word.