Dealing with debts can be tricky, especially when someone owes you money. The Bible offers guidance on financial matters, encouraging forgiveness and grace when possible. While it’s important to handle debts responsibly, Scripture also reminds us of the value of mercy and generosity in financial relationships.
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What Does The Bible Say About someone owing you money
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This verse serves as a reminder that borrowing money can create an unequal power dynamic, with the borrower being indebted to the lender. It emphasizes the importance of being cautious and responsible with borrowing.
This verse encourages individuals to be mindful of the potential consequences and responsibilities that come with borrowing money. It highlights the importance of managing one’s finances wisely and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Paul’s instruction to the Romans emphasizes the importance of avoiding debt and instead focusing on demonstrating love towards one another. By prioritizing love, individuals are encouraged to foster healthy relationships rather than being burdened by financial obligations.
This verse highlights the idea that love should be the primary debt we owe to others. It reminds us to place relationships and compassion over material possessions and financial obligations.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it” — when you have it with you.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our commitments and obligations in a timely manner. It encourages us not to delay repayment when we have the means to fulfill our financial responsibilities.
By highlighting the importance of integrity and promptness in repaying debts, this verse teaches us to prioritize honesty and reliability in our financial dealings with others.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
This verse in Matthew challenges us to be generous and compassionate towards those in need. It encourages us to show kindness and lend a helping hand to those who ask for assistance.
While it may not specifically address someone owing us money, this verse promotes a spirit of generosity and encourages us to consider helping others without expecting anything in return.
Psalms 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the behavior of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked may borrow money without the intention or willingness to repay, while the righteous are described as generous and giving.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and righteousness in financial matters, urging us to be honorable and faithful in repaying debts.
Proverbs 6:1-5
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor. Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
This passage provides cautionary advice regarding the potential consequences of becoming a guarantor for someone else’s debt. It emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to resolve the situation and free oneself from the burden.
While it doesn’t focus specifically on someone owing you money, this passage encourages individuals to be wise and cautious in their financial dealings with others to avoid being trapped in difficult situations.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
This verse warns about the dangers of greed and the love of money, emphasizing how it can lead people astray from their faith and cause them to experience various hardships.
While not directly connected to someone owing you money, this verse serves as a reminder that our motivations and attitudes towards money should be grounded in the principles of faith and righteousness.
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 passage highlights the importance of lending and showing kindness without expecting any form of repayment. It encourages Christians to demonstrate love to all, including their enemies.
While it may not directly address someone owing you money, it teaches us to practice unconditional love and generosity, going beyond societal expectations and norms in our interactions with others.
Deuteronomy 28:12
“The LORD will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.”
In this verse, God promises to bless the work of His people’s hands and enable them to lend to others without needing to borrow themselves. It speaks of the abundance and provision that comes from following God’s ways.
While not directly dealing with someone owing you money, this verse conveys the concept of financial independence through relying on God’s provision, rather than being burdened with debt.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using wealth to benefit others, particularly the poor and marginalized. It suggests that hoarding wealth through interest and profit may result in it being redistributed to those who demonstrate generosity towards the less fortunate.
While not explicitly addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages us to have a heart for the needy and to use our resources to bless and uplift those in need.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This verse highlights the idea that acts of generosity towards the poor are seen as lending to the Lord Himself. It promises that God will reward those who are compassionate and willing to help those in need.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages us to prioritize acts of kindness and generosity, trusting that God will provide for us in return for our selfless deeds.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
This passage challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through tangible actions of compassion and support for those in need. It calls for an active response rather than mere empty words.
While not specifically addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages us to go beyond empty promises and provide practical assistance to those who are lacking to truly meet their needs.
Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”
In this verse, the psalmist praises the individual who exhibits generosity, lending to others, and conducts their affairs with justice. It speaks of the blessings that come upon those who demonstrate such characteristics.
While not directly focusing on someone owing you money, this verse encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity and fairness in their financial dealings with others.
Leviticus 25:35-37
“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.”
These verses from Leviticus highlight God’s command to provide support and assistance to those who are in need within the community. It emphasizes the importance of refraining from exploiting others financially and instead showing compassion.
This passage encourages believers to prioritize the well-being and welfare of their brothers and sisters, emphasizing the importance of treating one another with fairness, dignity, and love.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts the actions of those who disregard or mistreat their neighbors with the blessings received by those who demonstrate generosity towards the poor and needy.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse underscores the importance of kindness and compassion towards those who are less fortunate and the blessings that come from such actions.
Matthew 18:23-35
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.”
This parable told by Jesus illustrates the importance of forgiveness and mercy when it comes to debts. It shows the extravagant grace and forgiveness of God towards His servants.
While not directly dealing with someone owing you money, this parable serves as a powerful reminder of the need to extend forgiveness and mercy towards those who owe us, just as God has extended His forgiveness to us.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In this verse, believers are encouraged to give with a willing heart, not out of obligation or reluctance. It emphasizes the importance of having a joyful attitude when it comes to being generous.
While not directly related to someone owing you money, this verse reminds us that giving should be done willingly and cheerfully, reflecting the joy of our relationship with God.
Proverbs 17:18
“One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.”
This proverb highlights the imprudence of giving pledges or putting up security without careful consideration. It warns against rash decisions that can lead to potential financial difficulties and loss.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse serves as a cautionary reminder to exercise wisdom and discernment when making financial commitments or agreements with others.
Nehemiah 5:7-8
“I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, ‘You are exacting interest, each from his brother.’ And I held a great assembly against them.”
In this passage, Nehemiah addresses the issue of lending with interest among his fellow Israelites. He confronts the nobles and officials, holding them accountable for exploiting their own brethren.
This account emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in financial transactions and sheds light on the responsibility of speaking up against exploitative practices.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Jesus encourages believers to prioritize reconciliation and resolution of conflicts before offering their gifts or worship to God. This teaching highlights the significance of maintaining healthy relationships within the community.
Although not directly related to someone owing you money, this verse underscores the importance of seeking reconciliation and resolving disputes in a manner that promotes unity and peace.
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse teaches the principle of treating others as we would like to be treated. It encourages believers to act with fairness, kindness, and integrity in their dealings with others.
While not specifically addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages believers to extend grace, understanding, and fairness to others, fostering healthy relationships based on mutual respect.
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?”
This proverb serves as a warning against becoming entangled in financial obligations or debts that cannot be fulfilled. It cautions against putting oneself in a precarious position by giving pledges without preparedness.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful decisions and considering the potential consequences before committing to financial obligations.
Psalm 37:26
“He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”
This verse speaks of the generous person who lends with an open heart. It suggests that their generosity extends beyond their lifetime, as their children also become a blessing.
While not specifically addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages a spirit of generosity and highlights the positive impact that lending with a generous heart can have on future generations.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This verse emphasizes the law of reciprocity in giving. It teaches that those who give generously will also receive abundant blessings in return.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages believers to give generously and trust in God’s faithfulness to bless and provide for them in various ways.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”
This proverb warns against indulging in worldly pleasures and excessive spending, highlighting that it can lead to poverty and financial instability.
While not directly related to someone owing you money, this verse emphasizes the importance of wise financial choices and living within one’s means, avoiding behaviors that may lead to unnecessary debt.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks of the righteous acts of compassion towards those in need, emphasizing the importance of meeting the physical needs of others as an expression of love.
While not directly addressing someone owing you money, this verse encourages believers to be compassionate and act selflessly towards those who are less fortunate, showing kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return.