What does the Bible say about being in debt?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that debt should be approached with sober caution, honest repayment, and trust in God rather than in wealth. Romans 13:8 urges believers to owe no one anything except love, while Romans 13:7 calls for paying what is rightly due. Proverbs 22:7 warns that borrowing can bring a person under another's power, and Psalm 37:21 contrasts the wicked borrower who does not repay with the righteous who are generous. Jesus commends careful planning in Luke 14:28, and Matthew 6:24 warns against serving money. Yet Scripture's deepest hope is not financial self-reliance but God's gracious provision in Christ, who frees His people to work faithfully, give generously, and live contentedly.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
- Romans 13:7
Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
- Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, But the righteous give generously.
- Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
- Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.
- Deuteronomy 15:6
For Yahweh your God will bless you, as he promised you: and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.
- 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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