David Thompson
2026-02-03
Few things weigh on the soul like debt. The bills piling up, the paycheck that doesn't stretch far enough, the nagging anxiety when the phone rings. And somewhere in that stress, many Christians wonder: What does God think about all this? What do bible verses about debt actually teach?
Scripture has a lot to say about debt, borrowing, and money—more than most people realize. But the Bible's teaching is nuanced, not a simple prohibition. Understanding what Scripture really says about debt can bring both freedom from false guilt and wisdom for real decisions.
Let's address the big question directly: Is being in debt sinful?
The short answer is no—debt itself isn't called sin in Scripture. But the Bible clearly warns about its dangers and counsels against it when avoidable.
Proverbs 22:7 captures the Bible's cautionary stance: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This doesn't say borrowing is evil; it says borrowing creates a power dynamic that reduces freedom. The borrower has surrendered some autonomy to the lender. That's a warning, not a prohibition.
Romans 13:8 is often cited to argue that all debt is sinful: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another." But in context, Paul is discussing obligations to government (taxes, revenue, respect) before saying not to owe anyone anything—except love. He's calling for prompt payment of what we owe, not prohibiting all borrowing.
The nuanced biblical position seems to be: Debt is dangerous and should be avoided when possible, but it's not inherently sinful. What matters is whether we're borrowing wisely, paying back what we owe, and not letting financial bondage damage our souls or relationships.
The Hebrew Scriptures addressed debt extensively because it was a common reality in ancient economies.
Israelite law regulated lending to protect both parties—and especially the poor. Exodus 22:25 commanded, "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest."
This prohibition against charging interest (neshek, literally "a bite") to fellow Israelites was meant to protect the poor from exploitation. Lending to the needy was seen as generosity, not a business opportunity.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20 elaborated: "Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess."
The principle: lending within the covenant community should be generous, not predatory.
Leviticus 25 established the remarkable Year of Jubilee—every fifty years, debts were cancelled, slaves were freed, and land returned to original families. This prevented permanent debt bondage and ensured economic fresh starts.
While we don't observe Jubilee today, its principle speaks: debt should have limits. Permanent, inescapable debt bondage isn't God's design.
Proverbs returns repeatedly to debt and its dangers:
"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously" (Psalm 37:21). Borrowing isn't the problem here; not repaying is wicked.
"Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you" (Proverbs 22:26-27). Caution against co-signing for others' debts—a warning that remains wise today.
"My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth... Go—loss no time—free yourself" (Proverbs 6:1-5). The urgency here indicates how seriously debt entanglement should be treated.
Jesus and the apostles addressed money extensively, including debts and obligations.
Jesus used debt as a metaphor frequently, which suggests it was a familiar reality for His audience.
The Lord's Prayer includes "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). While primarily spiritual, the metaphor works because debt was understood as a real burden requiring release.
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), a servant owes an impossible debt—ten thousand talents, more than he could repay in many lifetimes. The master forgives the entire debt, but the servant refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him. The point is about forgiveness, but the parable assumes that crushing debt is a real and serious thing.
Jesus said, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This encourages generous lending rather than tight-fisted protection of resources.
Paul's letters address financial obligations within broader ethical teaching.
Romans 13:7-8 says, "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another."
The call to let no debt remain outstanding means pay what you owe promptly—fulfill your obligations. The exception for love's debt suggests that loving others is an ongoing obligation that can never be fully discharged.
Paul also taught contentment as protection against financial trouble: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty" (Philippians 4:11-12). Contentment guards against the desire that leads to unwise borrowing.
For personal study and meditation, here are key verses organized by theme.
Proverbs 22:7 – "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
Proverbs 22:26-27 – "Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you."
Proverbs 6:1-5 – "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor... you have been trapped by what you said... Go—lose no time—free yourself."
Proverbs 11:15 – "Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe."
Proverbs 17:18 – "One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor."
Psalm 37:21 – "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously."
Romans 13:7-8 – "Give to everyone what you owe them... Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another."
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it... It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it."
Matthew 5:25-26 – "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court... you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – "If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites... do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need."
Luke 6:34-35 – "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?... But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back."
Matthew 5:42 – "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Psalm 112:5 – "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."
Proverbs 21:20 – "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
Proverbs 13:11 – "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."
Proverbs 27:23-24 – "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever."
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Proverbs 24:27 – "Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house."
Philippians 4:11-13 – "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
1 Timothy 6:6-8 – "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
Hebrews 13:5 – "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Matthew 6:25-26 – "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them."
Proverbs 30:8-9 – "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you... or I may become poor and steal."
1 Timothy 6:9-10 – "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap... For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."
Luke 12:15 – "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Proverbs 28:22 – "The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them."
Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Deuteronomy 8:18 – "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth."
Malachi 3:10 – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Based on Scripture's teaching, here are principles for navigating debt.
Before taking on debt, ask honest questions:
Is this truly necessary? Many things that feel necessary are actually wants dressed up as needs. The thing we can't imagine living without often turns out to be quite livable without.
Can I realistically repay this? Hope isn't a repayment plan. If you're counting on raises, windfalls, or changed circumstances to make payments possible, you're building on sand.
What will this cost me in freedom? Every debt payment is money you can't direct elsewhere—toward generosity, savings, or other priorities. Count that cost.
What does this reveal about my heart? Sometimes the urge to borrow reveals discontentment, impatience, or misplaced trust. Debt can mask deeper spiritual issues.
Not all debt is foolish. Some purposes may warrant borrowing:
Home purchase: Few can buy a home outright. A mortgage, carefully sized and responsibly managed, enables stability and potentially wealth-building.
Education: Investment in education can increase earning potential. But escalating student debt requires caution—the potential return should justify the cost.
Business investment: Businesses often require capital. Wise entrepreneurs distinguish between debt that generates returns and debt that merely delays reckoning.
Emergency: Unexpected medical expenses, urgent repairs, or true emergencies sometimes require borrowing. That's different from borrowing for lifestyle inflation.
Even in these cases, borrow the minimum necessary, have a clear repayment plan, and pursue debt freedom as quickly as possible.
For those already in debt, Scripture offers principles for the path out.
Acknowledge reality. Denial prolongs bondage. Face what you owe honestly. List every debt, its interest rate, and minimum payment.
Stop the bleeding. Before paying down debt, stop adding to it. Cut up cards, avoid new purchases, and live on less than you earn.
Make a plan. Whether using the debt avalanche (highest interest first) or debt snowball (smallest balance first) method, having a systematic approach maintains momentum.
Increase income and reduce expenses. Getting out of debt often requires both earning more and spending less. This isn't fun, but it's temporary.
Stay the course. Debt freedom takes time. Progress feels slow. Celebrate milestones. Keep your eyes on the goal.
Churches have an opportunity to address financial struggles that affect so many.
Jesus talked about money constantly—more than heaven and hell combined. If our preaching avoids finances, we're not preaching the whole counsel of God.
Address debt specifically. Many members carry shame about financial struggles and assume church isn't the place to discuss it. When pastors speak openly, permission is granted.
Programs like Financial Peace University have helped thousands get free from debt. Whether using existing curricula or developing your own, practical financial education serves members well.
Consider covering: budgeting basics, getting out of debt, building emergency funds, giving generously, and planning for the future.
Benevolence funds can help members in genuine crisis. But handouts without addressing underlying issues can perpetuate problems. Combine financial help with coaching and accountability.
Some churches offer budget counseling, connecting struggling members with financially wise volunteers who can help them see where money goes and make a plan.
Church budgets, debt decisions, and financial transparency teach by example. A church drowning in building debt while preaching contentment sends mixed messages.
Does the Bible say all debt is sin? No. Scripture warns about debt's dangers and counsels against unnecessary borrowing, but it doesn't declare debt inherently sinful. What matters is borrowing wisely, paying back what we owe, and not letting debt damage our souls, relationships, or freedom.
What does "the borrower is slave to the lender" mean? Proverbs 22:7 describes the power dynamic debt creates. The borrower loses some autonomy—obligated to payments, vulnerable to lender demands, less free to make choices. It's a warning about lost freedom, not a declaration of sinfulness.
Should Christians avoid mortgages? Most Christians believe a reasonable mortgage for a home is acceptable. The key is "reasonable"—a home you can actually afford with payments that don't strain your finances excessively. A 30-year mortgage at an unsustainable payment is different from a modest home purchase you can handle.
Is it wrong to use credit cards? Credit cards are tools. Used wisely—paid in full each month—they offer convenience and rewards without debt. Used poorly—carrying balances at high interest—they create costly bondage. The tool isn't the problem; usage determines outcome.
How should I prioritize debt repayment vs. giving? This requires wisdom. Some maintain giving at a reduced level while aggressively paying debt. Others pause giving temporarily to achieve debt freedom faster. Neither approach is universally right. Seek counsel, pray, and make a thoughtful decision that honors both your obligations and your desire for generosity.
How has Scripture shaped your approach to debt and finances? Share your experience in the comments.
Pastor and biblical studies teacher with over 15 years of ministry experience. David specializes in making complex theological topics accessible for everyday believers.
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