Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about paying debt?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should pay what they owe promptly and honestly, while recognizing that love remains a continuing obligation toward others. Romans 13:7-8 calls Christians to render taxes, revenue, respect, and honor where due, owing no one anything except love. Proverbs 3:27-28 warns against withholding good or delaying repayment when it is within one’s power to act. Psalm 37:21 contrasts the wicked borrower who does not repay with the righteous person who is generous. Proverbs 22:7 soberly notes that debt can bring a borrower under a lender’s power, encouraging wise stewardship and restraint. Ecclesiastes 5:5 and Numbers 30:2 also stress keeping one’s promises before God.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Romans 13:7-8 10 votes

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

  • Psalms 37:21 10 votes

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

  • Proverbs 22:7 6 votes

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

  • Proverbs 3:27-28 6 votes

    [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.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:5 5 votes

    It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

  • Romans 13:8 4 votes

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

  • 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.

  • Romans 13:5-7 2 votes

    [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [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.

  • Numbers 30:2 2 votes

    When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

  • Proverbs 3:28 2 votes

    Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, Tomorrow I will give it to you," When you have it by you.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about paying debt and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about paying debt