Looking for guidance on how to handle debt? The Bible has plenty to say on the topic.
In this article, we’ll explore twelve powerful Bible verses about debt and what they teach us about being responsible with money.
We’ll also recommend three chapters to read for further guidance on avoiding debt, taking responsibility for our finances, and trusting in God’s provision.
Whether you’re struggling with debt or simply looking to be more financially responsible, these verses and chapters offer valuable insights and wisdom.
Bible verses about debt
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about debt:
1. Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
2. Romans 13:8 – “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
3. Psalm 37:21 – “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
4. Proverbs 21:20 – “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
5. Matthew 6:24 – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
6. Proverbs 3:27-28 – “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”
7. Romans 13:7- “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
8. Proverbs 22:26-27 – “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?”
9. Ecclesiastes 5:5 – “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
10. Deuteronomy 28:12 – “The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.”
11. Proverbs 17:18 – “A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”
12. Nehemiah 5:7 – “Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.”
What does the Bible say about debt?
The Bible speaks about debt in various ways.
It emphasizes the importance of being responsible with money and avoiding debt whenever possible.
It also warns against borrowing more than one can afford to repay, as this can lead to enslavement to creditors.
Additionally, the Bible encourages generosity and helping others in need, even if it means going into debt temporarily.
However, it also stresses the importance of paying back debts and fulfilling financial obligations.
Overall, the Bible teaches that debt should be approached with caution and responsibility, and that one should strive to live within their means and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about debt?
1. Proverbs 22 – This chapter contains several verses about the consequences of debt and the importance of avoiding it. It emphasizes the idea that borrowing money puts a person in a position of servitude to the lender and can lead to financial ruin.
2. Matthew 6 – This chapter includes Jesus’ teachings on money and possessions, including the warning against storing up treasures on earth and the encouragement to trust in God’s provision rather than worrying about material needs. It also includes the famous verse, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
3. Proverbs 6 – This chapter includes a warning against co-signing loans for others and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own financial decisions. It also includes the famous verse, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
These chapters are relevant to debt because they provide guidance on how to avoid it, the consequences of it, and the importance of being responsible with one’s finances. They also emphasize the idea that our ultimate trust should be in God, not in material possessions or financial security.
Ideas and concepts related to debt that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Stewardship – The concept of stewardship refers to the responsible management of resources that have been entrusted to us by God. This includes our finances, possessions, and even our time. When we take on debt, we are essentially borrowing from the resources that God has given us, and we have a responsibility to manage those resources wisely.
2. Contentment – The Bible teaches us to be content with what we have and to avoid the love of money. When we take on debt, we are often seeking to acquire more than we can afford, which can lead to discontentment and a never-ending cycle of debt.
3. Generosity – The Bible encourages us to be generous with our resources and to give to those in need. When we are burdened by debt, we may not have the ability to be as generous as we would like, which can hinder our ability to fulfill this biblical principle.
4. Trust – The Bible teaches us to trust in God for our provision and to avoid relying on our own understanding. When we take on debt, we may be tempted to rely on our own ability to repay the debt, rather than trusting in God’s provision.
5. Restitution – The Bible teaches us to make restitution for any wrongs we have committed. When we take on debt, we have a responsibility to repay what we have borrowed, which is a form of restitution.
All of these concepts are related to debt because they speak to the responsibility we have to manage our resources wisely, to avoid the love of money, and to trust in God for our provision. When we take on debt, we must be mindful of these biblical principles and strive to honor them in our financial decisions.
