What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
What Does the Bible Say About Debt? The Bible warns that 'the borrower is servant to the lender' and encourages believers to avoid unnecessary debt while being faithful to repay what they owe.
Key verse: Proverbs 22:7 (KJV)
The Bible warns that 'the borrower is servant to the lender' and encourages believers to avoid unnecessary debt while being faithful to repay what they owe.
The Bible warns that 'the borrower is servant to the lender' and encourages believers to avoid unnecessary debt while being faithful to repay what they owe.
"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." — Proverbs 22:7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture doesn't prohibit borrowing outright but warns strongly about its dangers. Proverbs 22:7 states: 'The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.' Romans 13:8 instructs: 'Owe no man any thing, but to love one another.' The Mosaic Law included provisions for lending without interest to fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:19-20) and forgiving debts every seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-2). Psalm 37:21 says 'The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again'—honoring debts is a moral obligation. Jesus used debt metaphors to teach about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Practical wisdom includes: live within your means, avoid cosigning (Proverbs 22:26-27), save for the future (Proverbs 21:20), and be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5). Financial freedom enables greater generosity and reduces anxiety.
Key Scripture References
"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
"The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.
What Does the Bible Say About Contentment?
The Bible teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, and believers can learn to be content in all circumstances through Christ's strength.
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Biblical stewardship teaches that everything belongs to God and believers are entrusted to manage their time, talents, money, and resources faithfully.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Debt?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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