What does God say about money and debt?
Proverbs 22:26 - Do not become guarantors for debts. Matthew 6:12 - Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little.
Probably the most well-known scripture about money management that deals with debt is Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), which says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Translation: If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” - Psalm 37:21. As Christians, we know that paying our debts is important.
The forgiveness of debt is a core principle of Christianity. As Romans 13:8 says, we should “let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (NIV).
While the Bible offers many warnings about the dangers of debt, it never says that you are out of God's will or violating one of God's commandments when you borrow.
In Hebrews 13, Paul reminds us to “keep our lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” No matter how big your dreams are, remember to be content now. The God of the universe is for you, and that is more than enough.
Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives” (Psalm 37:21). To refuse to settle our debts is downright wicked, a gross abdication of Christian character. Debt is not always wrong, but in most cases it is inadvisable.
Borrowing money is not a sin. But it isn't God's best either. Everything in God's Word is designed to keep you at the top in every area of life—including financially. You are called to be the head, not the tail; above, not beneath; and the lender, not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28:12-13).
Scripture is clear that while debt itself may not be sinful, it's also not God's best for His people. This is because when we choose to borrow money, we are putting our trust and confidence in a credit card or a lender instead of in Christ.
Is it a sin not to pay debt?
The Bible makes it clear that people are generally expected to pay their debts. Leviticus 25:39. No one will or should advance any argument against this general proposition.
Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.
His Word is there to bless us with wisdom in our minds, and to shape the condition of our hearts. God's will for debt is that it doesn't distract us from loving Him or His people. He wants us to follow His guidance so our relationship with debt can enhance our ability to carry out the true purpose of our lives.
It doesn't prohibit borrowing, nor does it portray that borrowing is bad. However, sometimes, having to borrow results from not following God's commands (Deuteronomy 15:6 and 28:12), which may lead to excessive debt. Still, the need to pay it back remains.
- It's wrong not to repay your debts. "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." ( ...
- We Cannot Serve God and Money. “No one can serve two masters. ...
- Debt Enslaves Us. ...
- Jesus Came To Set Us Free.
Luke 6:34-35
Here we have Jesus saying, “lend, expecting noth- ing in return,” again to the crowds as well as to Jesus' disciples (Lk 17, 7:1). Garland (2011) suggests that Jesus says this because his teaching reaffirms the essence of the Old Testament prohibition against interest.
God is working to display His glory in our financial limitations. This is true not only because it forges our character to become more like Christ, but also because it allows us to be witnesses of Christ to those who do not know Him.
Some folks question whether it's okay to ask God for financial help. So first off, let's dispel the notion that God doesn't care about your money or that it's wrong to pray about your finances. Nothing in the Bible says that. If it's important to you, it's important to God.
- Ask God for help. I know financial struggles are difficult. ...
- Remember God has a plan for your life. Let's play out a worst-case scenario: What would happen if your house got foreclosed on? ...
- Read your Bible. ...
- Give thanks. ...
- Be generous.
Just as it's impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, it's impossible with people—but not with God—for a rich man to enter Heaven. Jesus can and ultimately did provide a way for rich people—and all who believe in Him—to enter God's Kingdom.
How does God view money?
Money is a tool God uses to help us live and love like Jesus. Regardless of how much—or how little—money you have, God is at work in your life through your circ*mstances. He is leading you to a deeper trust in him.
God does not want us to live in poverty; we have discovered that there is nothing inherently spiritual in poverty. Neither is there any sin in wealth. However, God does not desire for a Christian to live in worldly lavishness while His work needs money and other Christians go without food and clothing.
Set a budget, live below your means, set up a savings plan, and establish a plan to pay off any debts. If you are looking for resources to help you in this area, check these out. When money fears creep in, remember to trust God with your finances—remember who owns it all, live generously, and practice good stewardship.
The Westminster Confession of Faith 11.3 summarizes it this way: “Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to His Father's justice in their behalf.” God no longer regards anyone who is in Christ guilty of ...
The Bible encourages saving.
Saving is accumulating appropriate material resources for a defined, responsible purpose. A wise person does this (Prov. 6:6-8, 21:20). As you work and God provides you with income, He expects you to pay your taxes, give to His work and meet your present needs.
