What Does The Bible Say About Debt

What does the Bible say about debt? Debt and Christianity are almost like oil and water. Thus, creating lots of controversies in in the modern Church. While some Christians embrace debts when they are left with no choice, others skeptically perceive it as a sin. Whatever the case, chances are very high that almost all of us have been into one form of debt or the other at some point in time. But because we are not here to judge or condemn people, we’ll focus on pointing out what the scriptures say about debt. You can be sure that God has much to say when it comes to handling debts moving from whether we should go for them or not. God also has much to say about paying off your debts and starting a debt free life. It is not His holy will for us to get into debts.

By saying that it is not God’s will for us to be in debts, we do not mean that He is not willing to help us out. The scriptures clearly point to the fact that all that is in Heaven and on Earth belongs to God. Thus, whatever we have comes from God. He is the one who blesses and uplifts those who keep to his commands. That’s why whenever you are financially down, you can always turn to God who wants you to prosper. Just as the scriptures say, God’s plans for his children are those to uplift and make them prosperous. Obey the key teachings of Jesus Christ and God will locate you in His Mercy and Favor. In the realm of God’s mercy and favor, heaven will pour more blessings to you than your storerooms can contain.

What Does The Bible Say About Debt?

Whether you are planing to get in or out of debt, have in mind that the Bible has something to tell you about this. The Bible covers much on the topic debt. And as we all know, it is an authoritative guide when it comes to knowing and doing what God wants. Christians are not to live their lives as those in the world do. They must always seek God’s opinion about their decisions, plans, and goals. It is in this light that we are going to unfold what does the Bible say about debt. By knowing what the Bible says about debt, you will be able to take better decisions which are pleasing to God. Biblical knowledge on debt is full of wisdom which will inspire and guide you to be successful when it comes to managing your finances.

It is worth defining debt before continuing with our writing on what does the Bible say about debt. If we are asked what is a debt, we’ll say in simple terms that it is money owed or due. Those struggling with their finances are well versed with the term debt. Although it is a situation which nobody aims for, it is more of a reality in our midst. There are a several reasons that lead people into debts. Note that nobody gets into debts out of desire to do so. Some do embrace debts out of emergencies and inevitable situations which are threatening their well-being. Others get into debts so as to ameliorate their financial lives, start businesses, or resolve emergency problems. Whatever the case, there is much to worry about debts than simply embracing them.

Biblical Wisdom concerning debts

Still on what does the Bible say about debt, we’ll refer to a slave and master relationship. Proverbs 22:7 says that the borrower is a slave to the lender. That is, when you are in debt, you are into a slave/master relationship with the lender. In this relationship, you are the slave while the lender is your master. Living such is wrong because we are recommended by the scriptures not to be slaves to anyone. This not withstanding, God wants us to lend to others. You can confirm this by reading Deuteronomy 15:6, Matthew 5:42, and Deuteronomy 28:12. In short, God’s will is for everyone to be able to meet up with the basic needs of life. Being the father of love, he gave us everything which we need to make our lives on Earth. And we ought to share with others our blessings.

Still on what does the Bible say about debt, we are required to pay back what we borrowed. Taking this lightly can lead you into sin whereby you are kept under God’s judgement and punishment. Almost everyone find it easy to borrow but when it comes to paying back, they find it difficult. Some people willingly decide not to pay back while others simply lack the desire to pay off what they owe. Such should not exist among Christians because it makes God angry and goes against his instructions. Romans 13:7 calls on all those who are in debts to pay back what they owe without hesitation. As we are told in Psalms 37:21, only the wicked borrow and refuse to pay back. And for sure, God will judge and punish such people because they are a disgrace among his creatures.

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What does the Bible not say about debt

If we are talking of what does the Bible say about debt then we should equally talk of what does the Bible not say about debt. Surely, there are things concerning debt which the Bible does not condemn. The Bible does not say it is a sin to be in debt but it rather points to the fact that it is wise to be debt free. Being debt free is full of many benefits than you can imagine. Being in debt messes up with your happiness and emotional well-being. Also remember that God did not say in the Bible that He will provide through a loan. Thus, when you are accelerating your feet to reach out for a credit card, have in mind that it has never been God’s method of providing to his children. Credit cards will only help to get you soaked in debts the more.

What is God saying about your financial life

Let’s hear from God by reading Deuteronomy 28:12 – “The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” From this scripture, it is clear that God wants his children to prosper. Always speak this scripture when making a prayer for financial miracl e. Learn what it takes to remain in God’s light so as to be counted among his children. He had promised to always help His children and provide for them. Put God first in everything that you do and He will bless all your efforts and make you prosperous. You will live to lend but not borrow because you’ll have all that you need to make a living.

God cannot keep us out of debt

It is without doubt that God’s will for us is to be debt free. But note that He cannot keep us out of debts. Being out of debt and enjoying a debt free life is our choice and not God’s. We a stewards of the money which God has entrusted to us. And as a result, we have a free will to do whatever pleases us with this money. We can chose to foolishly spend it all, save it, invest and make it grow or bury it without purpose. We can even chose to spend more than what we have. The choice is ours but such foolish steps will likely lead us into debts again and again. However, he who manages his money well will end up enjoying a debt free life. We recommend that you read our article on what does the Bible say about money management.

Some of the troubles that come with debts

Be cautious about going into debt and if possible, always avoid them. Don’t be in a hurry to get into agreements were you put up security for loans. Keep in mind that even your bed will be taken if you end up unable to pay back the loan. Never jump into debts carelessly as you could end up regretting for all the days of your life. Getting into debts will keep your mind burdened. Debts will keep you worrying all day and night. The weight of debt is so heavy that it will easily stress you up and make you feel hopeless. Debts can lead into frustrations and poor decision taking which will keep you regretting in the future.

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Scriptures on debt

Group 1

Romans 13:18 – “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”

Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”

Matthew 5:42 – “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Psalms 37:21 – “The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.”

Deuteronomy 15:1 – “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts.”

Matthew 18:27 – “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.”

Group 2

Proverbs 22:26 – “Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts.”

2 Kings 4:1 – “Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”

2 Kings 4:3 – “Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few.”

2 Kings 4:7 – “Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.“