What does the Bible say about borrowing?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that borrowing may be lawful in need, but it carries a serious obligation to repay and should never become a pattern of bondage or irresponsibility. Psalm 37:21 contrasts the wicked borrower who does not repay with the righteous who are generous, while Romans 13:8 urges believers to owe no one anything except the continuing debt of love. Proverbs 22:7 warns that debt can enslave the borrower to the lender, and Proverbs 22:26-27 counsels against rash pledges. Yet Jesus calls His people to openhanded mercy toward those who ask, as seen in Matthew 5:42 and Luke 6:30. Exodus 22:14 also affirms responsibility for what is borrowed.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, But the righteous give generously.
- Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.
- Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again.
- Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
- Exodus 22:14
"If a man borrows anything of his neighbor's, and it is injured, or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.
- Proverbs 22:26-27
[26] Don't you be one of those who strike hands, Of those who are collateral for debts. [27] If you don't have means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?
- Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about borrowing and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about borrowing