Get the App

What Does the Bible Say About Debt?

Scripture reveals that debt creates a kind of slavery — it puts the borrower under the lender's authority — and shows that God's design values freedom, careful planning, and the breaking of debt cycles.

Scripture on Debt

Romans 13:8 New Testament
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except for the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
Proverbs 22:7 Old Testament
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 17:18 Old Testament
"One who lacks sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor."
Deuteronomy 15:1-2 Old Testament
"At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed."
Proverbs 21:5 Old Testament
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
The Bottom Line
Debt isn't sin, but it is servitude — and God's heart is for your freedom.
Try Today

Write down one debt you carry and commit to one specific payment this week, no matter how small. Tell someone about it.

Prayer

Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him in Matthew 11:28 — and our financial shame is a real burden.

Father, I'm honest about the weight of what I owe — the money, yes, but also the weight it puts on my soul. You're not surprised or disappointed by this. Show me the next faithful step, not the perfect step. Guard my heart from despair and from justifying more debt. Give me courage to face this honestly and the discipline to change. I trust You to help me walk toward freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Proverbs 6:1-11 for a clear picture of debt's dangers and the way out.

Explore any Bible topic instantly

Search what the Bible says about anything — free, fast, and faith-first.

🍎 Download on the
App Store ▶️ Get it on
Google Play

Related Topics

What does the Bible say about Purpose?What does the Bible say about Mercy?What does the Bible say about Fathers?What does the Bible say about Rest?What does the Bible say about Trust?What does the Bible say about Faith?