Debt is a pervasive issue in today’s society, affecting individuals and families worldwide. While it can often feel like a necessary part of life, the Bible offers wisdom and guidance about managing debt, living in financial freedom, and avoiding the pitfalls that come with owing money. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of managing resources wisely, living within our means, and fulfilling our financial obligations.
Here are 30 Bible verses that offer insight into the subject of debt:
1. Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder that debt can put us in a position of servitude, where we become slaves to those to whom we owe money. It highlights the power imbalance created by financial obligations.
2. Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Paul encourages believers to pay off their debts and live free of financial obligations, emphasizing that the only debt we should continue to owe is love to others.
3. 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 speaks about honoring our financial commitments and paying what we owe when it is within our power to do so.
4. Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
The contrast between the wicked and the righteous is made clear here: the wicked borrow without repaying, while the righteous honor their financial obligations and give generously.
5. Matthew 5:25
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
Jesus teaches that it is wise to settle debts quickly to avoid legal complications and to maintain peace.
6. 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 advises against the foolishness of cosigning loans and taking on the debt of others, urging us to act swiftly to free ourselves from financial entanglements.
7. Deuteronomy 15:1-2
“At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.”
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to forgive debts every seven years, providing a picture of God‘s grace and the importance of financial reset in society.
8. Ecclesiastes 5:5
“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
The Bible emphasizes the importance of keeping promises, including financial commitments. This verse highlights the significance of paying what we owe.
9. 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.”
Jesus challenges us to lend generously, without expecting repayment, but He also teaches the importance of fairness and kindness in financial dealings.
10. 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 advises against guaranteeing loans for strangers, as it can lead to financial hardship.
11. Matthew 18:27
“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.”
This passage demonstrates the grace of a master who cancels his servant’s debt, teaching the value of forgiveness and mercy, which also applies to our financial dealings.
12. 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 passage warns of the consequences of taking on debt that we cannot repay, urging financial caution.
13. Exodus 22:14
“If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, he must make restitution.”
In this verse, God sets guidelines for borrowing and restitution, encouraging fairness and responsibility when borrowing from others.
14. Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse encourages wise planning and the avoidance of hasty financial decisions that can lead to unnecessary debt.
15. Luke 11:4
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”
While this verse primarily deals with forgiveness, it can also be applied to forgiving financial debts, encouraging us to offer grace to others in financial matters.
16. 2 Kings 4:1
“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.'”
This verse highlights the serious consequences of debt and the importance of seeking help when one is unable to repay.
17. Proverbs 17:18
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
This passage warns against the foolishness of taking on debt that we are unable to handle, particularly for others.
18. Nehemiah 5:3-5
“Others were saying, ‘We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.'”
Nehemiah addresses the issue of debt leading to the exploitation and enslavement of people, underscoring the social and economic dangers of uncontrolled borrowing.
19. Romans 13:7-8
“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. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of paying our dues and fulfilling our financial and social obligations, except for the continuing obligation to love one another.
20. Leviticus 25:39-40
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee.”
The Year of Jubilee, a time when debts were forgiven, reflects God’s desire for economic fairness and the avoidance of long-term debt slavery.
21. Deuteronomy 28:44-45
“He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail.”
This curse in Deuteronomy reflects the consequences of disobedience to God, including financial hardship and the reversal of power dynamics caused by debt.
22. Psalm 37:25
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
God promises provision for the righteous, encouraging us to trust in His care and avoid unnecessary debt.
23. Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse teaches the value of steady and honest work, rather than the pursuit of quick and potentially harmful financial gain.
24. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our finances and trusting Him to provide for us, freeing us from the need for debt.
25. Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s provision and trusting that He will meet our needs, rather than relying on debt.
26. Proverbs 15:16
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
This verse speaks to the peace that comes from living within our means and honoring God, rather than pursuing wealth through risky financial decisions.
27. Deuteronomy 24:6
“Do not take a pair of millstones—not even the upper one—as security for a debt, because that would be taking a life in pledge.”
This law cautions against using critical necessities as collateral for debt, highlighting the sacredness of human life and livelihood.
28. Matthew 18:24
“As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.”
This verse illustrates the large debts in biblical times, showing the extreme nature of financial obligations that one cannot repay.
29. Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
The lesson from the ant encourages us to plan ahead, save, and live within our means to avoid the need for debt.
30. 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 teaches the importance of generosity and managing finances in a way that allows us to give freely and without hesitation.
Conclusion
The Bible offers profound insights into how we should view debt, manage our finances, and honor God with our wealth. Whether we are borrowing, lending, or simply living within our means, Scripture reminds us to avoid the pitfalls of debt while trusting in God to provide for all our needs. By following these biblical principles, we can build a life of financial peace, stewardship, and wisdom.
You Might Be Interested In: