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What does the Bible say about financial debt?

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The Bible warns that debt can bring bondage and calls God’s people to live with wisdom, honesty, diligence, generosity, and trust in God’s provision. Proverbs 22:7 soberly notes that the borrower is servant to the lender, while Romans 13:8 urges believers to fulfill their obligations and remain indebted only in love. Luke 14:28 commends careful planning before making commitments, and Romans 13:7 requires giving what is due. Scripture also directs households to provide responsibly, work heartily, honor the Lord with their resources, and seek His kingdom rather than anxious self-reliance. Yet Philippians 4:19 assures believers that God faithfully supplies every true need through Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 22:7 6 votes

    The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

  • Romans 13:8 5 votes

    Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 4 votes

    [5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.

  • Proverbs 3:9 4 votes

    Honor Yahweh with your substance, With the first fruits of all your increase:

  • Philippians 4:19 4 votes

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 3 votes

    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.

  • Colossians 3:23 3 votes

    And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,

  • Romans 13:7 3 votes

    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.

  • Luke 14:28 3 votes

    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?

  • Malachi 3:10 3 votes

    Bring the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of hosts, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.

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