Debt is a topic that often stirs emotions in the lives of believers. Whether you’re facing personal financial challenges or simply seeking wisdom on how to handle money in a God-honoring way, the Bible has much to say about debt. It offers guidance on both the dangers of falling into debt and how to manage financial obligations with wisdom, integrity, and responsibility.
In this article, we will explore 20 key Scriptures that address the issue of debt from a biblical perspective. These verses come from both the Old and New Testaments, and they offer timeless principles for managing finances, avoiding financial traps, and living in a way that honors God. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to debt in the Bible, these verses can help guide believers to a healthier understanding of their financial obligations and inspire them to be better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them.
20 Scriptures on Debt
1. Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This verse provides a stark warning about the power dynamics involved in borrowing. It highlights how debt can create a power imbalance, where the borrower becomes dependent on the lender. The Bible speaks here not only to the financial aspect of debt but also to the emotional and psychological burden that can accompany it. When we borrow, we risk being bound by our obligations, and this can affect our freedom to live the life God has called us to live.
2. Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
In Romans, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to pay their debts and live free of financial obligations. The only debt that should remain is the “debt of love.” This verse shows us that while financial debt can be a burden, the spiritual debt to love others is a debt that we should always seek to fulfill. In essence, Paul underscores the importance of living debt-free in a financial sense, while also emphasizing that we should always be in a position to love others unconditionally.
3. 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 verse speaks to the importance of fulfilling our financial commitments. Whether it’s paying back a loan or paying someone for services rendered, we are urged to act with integrity and responsibility when it comes to money. This principle is consistent with biblical teachings about honoring our word and fulfilling our obligations to others.
4. Matthew 5:25-26
“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Jesus offers a practical piece of financial advice in these verses. He encourages people to resolve disputes, including financial ones, before they escalate to the point of legal action. The parable reminds us that unresolved debts can lead to severe consequences, and it is best to make peace quickly to avoid the stress and punishment of unpaid obligations.
5. Deuteronomy 15:1-2
“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.”
The concept of a “Year of Jubilee” is introduced in the Old Testament as part of God’s command for debt forgiveness every seven years. This was a powerful reminder to Israel that ultimately, everything belongs to God, and no one should be permanently burdened by debt. This year of release was intended to ensure that people were not financially oppressed and that the community was not built on the backs of perpetual debt.
6. 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 offers strong advice about the dangers of cosigning for loans or making financial promises that we can’t afford to keep. It warns against becoming overly entangled in another person’s debt, as it can lead to great difficulty. If you find yourself in this situation, the Scripture urges urgent action to free yourself from the financial trap.
7. Luke 14:28-30
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”
Jesus uses the analogy of building a tower to emphasize the importance of careful planning and financial foresight. Just as a builder must calculate the cost of his project before starting, so must individuals consider their financial resources and obligations before taking on debt. This principle is about being wise and deliberate with your finances to avoid overextending yourself.
8. Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous concerning debt. The wicked borrow and fail to pay back, while the righteous are known for generosity. It underscores the biblical value of fulfilling our financial obligations, which is a reflection of a righteous heart. Christians are called to be people of integrity, fulfilling their commitments to others.
9. Proverbs 11:15
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.”
In this passage, Solomon warns against the danger of cosigning loans for strangers or individuals who are not trustworthy. There is a strong financial and relational risk involved in such agreements, and the verse advises believers to be cautious about entering into financial arrangements that could lead to personal loss or hardship.
10. 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.”
While this verse is about giving, it has broader implications for our financial stewardship. It teaches that we should approach our finances with a heart of generosity, and not with a sense of obligation or coercion. Managing debt and finances with a cheerful and willing heart is a reflection of biblical wisdom and trust in God’s provision.
11. Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”
The Bible addresses the ethics of lending money in this verse. It prohibits charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, especially to the poor. This reflects God’s desire for fairness and compassion in financial transactions. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity rather than seeking to profit from their misfortune.
12. Luke 16:10-11
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”
This passage reminds us that how we manage money—whether we are in debt or have financial freedom—reflects our character and our ability to handle greater responsibilities. If we are faithful in the small things, God will entrust us with more. This principle highlights the importance of financial integrity and stewardship, even in the midst of debt.
13. 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.”
While this verse does not directly address debt, it speaks to the underlying issue of greed and the desire for wealth, which can lead people into financial trouble. The pursuit of wealth—sometimes at the expense of good stewardship or honest work—can lead individuals to fall into debt or to become ensnared by their financial decisions. The Bible warns against the love of money, which can cause harm to both spiritual and financial health.
14. Proverbs 13:11
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
This proverb teaches the value of steady, disciplined saving and financial growth, rather than seeking to get rich quickly. The temptation of taking on debt for instant gratification often leads to financial instability, while those who work diligently and manage their finances wisely see gradual, sustainable growth over time.
15. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
In the context of financial stewardship, this verse reminds us that we cannot serve both God and money. Debt can become a master in our lives, dictating our choices, priorities, and actions. Jesus cautions us to guard against being controlled by material pursuits, and to instead keep God at the center of our financial decisions.
16. Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
This verse speaks to the value of careful planning and diligence in managing finances. People who are wise in their financial planning are less likely to fall into the trap of debt. In contrast, those who act hastily or without foresight may find themselves in financial trouble.
17. Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Contentment is a key theme in managing finances. The desire to keep up with others or accumulate wealth at any cost often leads to debt. This verse encourages believers to be content with what they have, trusting that God will provide for their needs. When we focus on God’s faithfulness, we are less likely to fall into the trap of financial strain.
18. Proverbs 17:18
“One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.”
This verse reiterates the wisdom of avoiding cosigning or making risky financial commitments that we cannot control. Giving a pledge without considering the consequences can lead to unnecessary debt and strained relationships.
19. 1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
Paul speaks here about setting aside resources in a planned and disciplined manner. This concept applies not just to giving but to financial planning in general. By setting aside money regularly, we avoid impulsive spending and the temptation to go into debt for things that we do not need.
20. James 5:1-3
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”
James warns those who trust in their wealth and amass it without considering the needs of others or the fleeting nature of material possessions. Debt can sometimes be a result of the pursuit of wealth without a long-term perspective. It reminds us that material wealth will not last, and those who misuse their resources may face consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides a wealth of wisdom regarding debt and financial stewardship. From the dangers of borrowing without wisdom to the call to be diligent and generous in our financial dealings, these Scriptures offer practical guidance for managing money in a way that honors God. Debt can be a burden, but through careful planning, wise choices, and reliance on God’s provision, we can navigate our financial lives in a way that leads to freedom and peace.
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. By seeking God’s wisdom, living within our means, and treating others with fairness and respect in our financial dealings, we can experience true financial freedom.
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