What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
The Bible does not call borrowing a sin, but it treats debt soberly as something that limits freedom: "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). It consistently urges caution, warns against co-signing rashly, and praises those who repay what they owe — noting that "the wicked borrow and don't pay back" (Psalm 37:21).
Romans 13:8 gives the guiding principle: "Owe no one anything, except to love one another." Many read this not as an absolute ban on all borrowing but as a call to keep obligations current and avoid being enslaved by them. The broader biblical vision favors living within one's means, planning ahead, and generosity — the opposite of the bondage that unpayable debt creates.
Key Bible Verses
“The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7 (WEB)
“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8 (WEB)
“The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, but the righteous give generously.”
Psalm 37:21 (WEB)
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
Related Faith News
- Christian Pulisic recovers from his World Cup injury by hanging out with Megan Moroney in NashvilleFox News•about 2 hours ago
- Catholic Nuns Sue New York to Block Assisted Suicide MandateCharisma News•about 3 hours ago
- Brazil’s Catholic youth want more doctrine, a reverent liturgy, and less politics, survey findsCatholic News Agency•about 3 hours ago
- Minnesota city sued for demanding Christian preacher pay vendor fee to hold pro-life signFox News•about 3 hours ago
- Tesla Earnings, Elon Musk Loom: What Investors Want To Know (Live Coverage). - Investor's Business DailyGoogle News•about 4 hours ago
- Nigerian pastor highlighted by Trump warns 'I am next' after Islamist militia kills 9 of his relativesHuman Events•about 5 hours ago
- Muslims Kill 9 Members of Prominent Pastor's Family in Targeted AttackThe Western Journal•about 5 hours ago
- Christian in Somaliland Poisoned to Death after Secret ConversionCharisma News•about 6 hours ago
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is debt a sin according to the Bible?
- The Bible does not label borrowing itself a sin, but it warns that 'the borrower is servant to the lender' (Proverbs 22:7) and urges repaying debts (Psalm 37:21). Romans 13:8 encourages keeping obligations current and not being enslaved by debt.