What does the bible say about debt?
Are you stuck in debt? You've probably tried on several occasions to break free, yet it's so overwhelming. You're trying to make ends meet, and yet all of these bills are staring you in the face. Finances are so tight, that you're afraid to spend anything at the store much less take a vacation. I've been there.
With money so tight paycheck after paycheck and so much on your plate, you wonder, is there a way out? What does the Bible say about debt?
In a nutshell, throughout Scripture you'll find that:
God does not want you to owe anyone or be in a position where you have to go through a time consuming process of paying others back. The reason is, He wants you to serve Him and others freely.
God wants you to pay back what you borrow, so you (and your family if applicable) can live in freedom and not financial slavery.
God wants You to use wisdom--wise strategies--to get out of debt and stay free!
The list of Bible verses below include key principles and practical applications to help guide wise stewardship...
bible verses about debt (Organized by Category --WEB translation)
If you're asking, "What does the Bible say about debt?" organizing the topic into simple categories will help you learn and retain what God’s Word teaches concerning this issue.
Bible verses about the dangers of debt and living debt-free
These verses directly warn about the burden and control that debt can place on someone.
Proverbs 22:7 – "The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender."
Romans 13:8 – "Owe no one anything, except to love one another..." (Note: To be a slave to banks/lenders can hinder and even undermine our calling to help build God's Kingdom).
Proverbs 6:1–5 – Urges release from entanglements like cosigning debt.
Deuteronomy 28:12–13 – God’s blessing includes lending, not borrowing.
Psalm 37:21 – "The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back..."
Application: These verses encourage avoiding unnecessary debt and striving toward financial freedom, highlighting that debt often brings entanglement and stress.
bible verses about god's help and hope when you're in debt
These passages are encouraging to those currently burdened by debt and financial hardship.
2 Kings 4:1–7 – God miraculously helps a widow pay off debt through Elisha.
Nehemiah 5:1–13 – Nehemiah confronts oppression and cancels unjust debts.
Luke 4:18 – Jesus proclaims freedom for the oppressed—financial and spiritual.
Matthew 6:12 – Spiritual debt imagery: “Forgive us our debts…”
Application: God is compassionate and desires freedom and restoration. He cares about those overwhelmed by financial obligations.
bible verses on contentment and avoiding materialism
These indirectly relate to debt by addressing the heart motivations that often lead to it—such as discontentment, greed, or pressure to “keep up.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “He who loves silver shall not be satisfied…”
1 Timothy 6:6–10 – Warns about the love of money leading to ruin.
Hebrews 13:5 – "Be free from the love of money..."
Proverbs 13:7 – “There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing...”
Application: A content heart leads to wise stewardship. Understanding biblical contentment can help prevent and recover from debt.
When dealing with debt, remember the Biblical principles of seeking God for wisdom, staying diligent in paying off as well as staying out of debt, practicing generosity, and cultivating contentment. Trusting God and avoiding financial bondage helps one stay on the right path financially.
summary: What the Bible says about debt
- Debt can lead to financial servitude—it limits freedom and creates stress (Proverbs 22:7).
- Repaying debt is a matter of integrity—God calls us to honor financial commitments (Psalm 37:21).
- God desires His people to be lenders, not borrowers—financial freedom enables generosity (Deuteronomy 28:12).
- Trust God for provision—seek Him first rather than relying on credit or loans (Philippians 4:19).
- Contentment leads to financial peace—avoiding the love of money helps prevent debt (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
what the bible says about lending money to others
What the Bible Says About Lending Money to Others
These Scriptures speak more to the lender’s responsibility—especially about charging interest and exploiting the vulnerable.
Leviticus 25:35–37 – Don’t charge interest to a poor brother.
Exodus 22:25 – Prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites.
Deuteronomy 23:19–20 – Interest allowed to foreigners but not among brothers.
Ezekiel 18:13 – Condemns unjust interest and increase.
Psalm 15:5 – Describes the righteous person as one who does not charge interest.
Luke 6:34–35 – Lend without expecting to receive back.
Matthew 5:42 – “Give to him who asks of you…”
Application: While most believers aren’t lenders today as they were back in Old Testament times, these passages show that God values mercy over profit, and calls His people to avoid practices that burden others.
overall application: Biblical Steps to get out of debt
✅ 1. Avoid unnecessary debt. If borrowing is necessary, do so wisely and repay promptly.
✅ 2. Seek God’s wisdom before making financial commitments. Pray before taking on loans or credit.
✅ 3. Make a plan to pay off existing debt. Be diligent and trust God’s provision.
✅ 4. Practice generosity, even while paying off debt. Honor God first in finances.
✅ 5. Cultivate contentment. Live within your means and focus on eternal riches over material wealth.
While the Bible doesn't give an exhaustive manual on modern financial systems like credit cards, mortgages, or bank loans, it does give clear, enduring principles about debt, its dangers, and God's heart toward both borrowers and lenders.
May the Lord help you walk in wisdom as you manage your finances, trusting Him for provision and contentment. May He guide you to avoid unnecessary debt, lead you in the path of financial freedom, and give you the strength to repay what is owed. May you find peace in His provision, contentment in His blessings, and freedom from the burdens of financial anxiety. As you honor God with your wealth, may He bless you with abundance, not only in material things but in the richness of His love, grace, and peace. Amen.
For an in-depth Biblical analysis on the topic of money, I highly recommend Jesus and Money: A Guide For Times Of Financial Crisis by New Testament Scholar -Dr. Ben Witherington 111.
Crown Financial Ministries also has excellent educational resources to help you as well (crown.org).
Explore the Full Guide: Master Your Finances with Biblical Money Principles
Unlock powerful biblical insights to overcome debt, budget wisely, give generously, and plan for the future with faith.
Here is the introductory page to this topical resource: Money Principles in the Bible:
Chapter 2 – Biblical Principles of Faithful Stewardship
Chapter 3 – Biblical Principles of Generous and Intentional Giving
Chapter 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Saving Money?
Chapter 5 – Biblical Principles of Honesty and Integrity in Finances
Chapter 6 – Biblical Principles of Contentment and Trust in God
Chapter 7 – Living Out Biblical Stewardship: A Faith-Filled Conclusion