“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Bible Verses About Debt
Proverbs 22:7 – Debt can place someone in a position of servitude.
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Romans 13:8 – We should avoid owing anything to anyone.
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8
Matthew 6:12 – Forgiveness is tied to debts.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
Proverbs 3:27 – Do not withhold help when it’s in your power to give.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” – Proverbs 3:27
Deuteronomy 15:1 – Every seven years debts should be canceled.
“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.” – Deuteronomy 15:1
Psalm 37:21 – The wicked borrow and do not repay.
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” – Psalm 37:21
Luke 14:28 – Consider the cost before building.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28
Exodus 22:25 – Don’t charge interest to the poor.
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.” – Exodus 22:25
Ecclesiastes 5:5 – It’s better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill.
“It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” – Ecclesiastes 5:5
Proverbs 21:20 – Wise people save for the future.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” – Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 6:1-2 – Be cautious of co-signing a loan.
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger, you are snared in the words of your mouth; caught in the words of your mouth.” – Proverbs 6:1-2
1 Timothy 6:10 – The love of money can lead to trouble.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Proverbs 15:27 – Greed brings trouble.
“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” – Proverbs 15:27
Isaiah 1:23 – Rulers can be corrupt.
“Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts.” – Isaiah 1:23
Jeremiah 34:14 – Freedom must be honored, including financial freedom.
“At the end of seven years, each of you must free your fellow Israelites who have sold themselves to you.” – Jeremiah 34:14
2 Kings 4:7 – God provides provision and pays debts.
“She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left.'” – 2 Kings 4:7
Leviticus 25:39-40 – Treat your brother with dignity, even during debt.
“If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave; he shall be with you as a hired servant.” – Leviticus 25:39-40
Isaiah 58:6 – True fasting can lead to freedom.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
James 5:12 – Be careful with promises.
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” – James 5:12
Proverbs 10:22 – God’s blessings lead to true wealth.
“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22
Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained hastily will dwindle.
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” – Proverbs 13:11
Hebrews 13:5 – Be satisfied with what you have.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
2 Corinthians 9:7 – Give cheerfully, and you won’t feel the debt.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Philippians 4:19 – God shall supply our needs.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
1 John 4:19 – Love is at the core of everything we owe.
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Final Thoughts
Debt is a significant aspect of life that has varying biblical perspectives. The scripture teaches us to be mindful of our finances, to avoid excessive debt, and to treat others with kindness and fairness in financial matters. It’s clear that God desires for us to live in freedom rather than bondage, encouraging us to approach debt with wisdom and discernment. As we reflect on these teachings, we can strive toward good financial stewardship. By loving one another and honoring our commitments, we can manage our resources wisely and bring glory to God.
If you found this exploration of debt in the Bible helpful, consider checking other topics related to faith and life. You might explore communication with others or gain strength from encouraging yourself. Each verse can guide us on our journey of faith.