What does the Bible say about debt?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that debt can enslave and burden us, calling believers to wise stewardship, honest repayment, generosity, and contentment under God’s provision. Proverbs 22:7 observes that the borrower is servant to the lender, while Romans 13:8 urges Christians to owe no one anything except continuing love. Scripture commends careful planning before financial commitments, as Luke 14:28 illustrates, and warns against rash pledges in Proverbs 22:26-27. We should pay what is due, provide responsibly for our households, and refuse to let money become a master in place of God (Romans 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:8; Matthew 6:24). Yet the gospel also directs us toward mercy, generosity, and trust in the Lord rather than anxious dependence on wealth.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
- Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
- 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.
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