What does the Bible say about borrowing money?
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The Bible teaches that borrowing should be approached with wisdom, honesty, generosity, and contentment, avoiding debt that enslaves or harms others. Proverbs 22:7 warns that the borrower becomes servant to the lender, while Psalm 37:21 condemns borrowing without repaying. God’s people must meet obligations faithfully and owe no one anything except continuing love (Romans 13:8). Scripture especially forbids exploiting the poor through interest or harsh pledges (Exodus 22:25-27), and urges believers to help those in need rather than withhold good (Proverbs 3:27-28; Matthew 5:42). Hebrews 13:5 directs hearts toward contentment, trusting God’s provision rather than seeking security through endless borrowing.
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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.
- Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- 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?
- Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
- Proverbs 3:27-28
[27] Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do it. [28] Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, Tomorrow I will give it to you," When you have it by you.
- Exodus 22:25-27
[25] "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor; neither shall you charge him interest. [26] If you take your neighbor's garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down, [27] for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.
- Deuteronomy 28:12
Yahweh will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow.
- Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
- Hebrews 13:5
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."
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