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What does the Bible say about debt to family?

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The Bible calls us to honor family obligations with faithful provision, honest repayment, wise stewardship, and forgiving love, while remembering that God alone is our ultimate Master and Provider. Romans 13:7-8 teaches believers to give what is owed and to avoid remaining indebted except in love. First Timothy 5:8 underscores the serious duty to care for one’s household, while Proverbs 22:7 and Psalm 37:21 warn against the bondage and injustice that can accompany borrowing without repayment. Jesus teaches us to count the cost before undertaking commitments in Luke 14:28, and Proverbs 13:11 commends patient, honest gain. Yet Matthew 6:12 also calls families to practice mercy and forgiveness, reflecting God’s grace toward us.

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.

  • Psalms 37:21

    The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, But the righteous give generously.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 13:11

    Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

  • Matthew 6:12

    Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

  • 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.

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