Do not be in debt Bible verse?
Romans 13:8
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.
Today's scripture warns us to keep out of debt and owe nothing to anybody. Why? Proverbs 22:7 instructs us in wisdom concerning debt: “The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender.” When you borrow, the creditor gains control over you and that which you own.
The Bible on Debt
Read the first portion of Romans 13:8 from several different translations: “Owe no man anything” (KJV). “Let no debt remain outstanding” (NIV).
Proverbs 22:26-27 -- Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
In the New Testament, Christians were warned to not go into debt, as we are free from bondage due to the redemptive work of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 7:23 “You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.”
You must pay your debts. As Christians, we must be true to our word, which means debts must be repaid. Debts are obligations and we cannot walk away from them. In fact, we must do our absolute best to pay them back according to the exact terms we established.
It doesn't say that it's a sin to borrow
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.
If we take God's Word seriously, we should avoid debt when we can, since “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NLT). And since Jesus tells us we cannot serve both God and money, we should ask ourselves, before undertaking any debt, How will this affect my capacity to give generously?
You might say to God: “Heavenly Father, I lift this person up to you and put this situation in your hands. Please give me wisdom. Please bless this person financially so they will never feel the need to borrow in the future. Your ways are not our ways.
Should Christians be debt free?
The Bible never says that going into debt is a sin. However, it issues a very stark warning: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender”. That's not at all how Jesus intended us to live.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” While this verse may not condemn all forms of debt, it emphasizes the importance of love and prioritizing relationships over financial obligations.
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 15, God says that every seven years, creditors should “remit the claim that is held against a neighbor” because “the Lord's remission has been proclaimed.” In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, ...
Lord, thank You for helping me avoid shady shortcuts. As I plan, I'm asking for Your presence, leadership, and guidance so I can be led out from under this poverty. I commit this hard work to You and trust You will help me come out debt free. Father, in Jesus' name, I'm asking for Your strategies.
Romans 13:8 New International Version (NIV)
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Deuteronomy 15:1-3 The Message (MSG)
At the end of every seventh year, cancel all debts. This is the procedure: Everyone who has lent money to a neighbor writes it off. You must not press your neighbor or his brother for payment: All-Debts-Are-Canceled—GOD says so.
Here are 7 things Jesus said on the subject of money, and what they mean for us today: 1. “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). Most of us think that our giving and lending is a matter of personal preference.
Romans 13:8 (AMPC) tells us to Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another... My husband, Dave, says that if we learn to live within our income, or our borders, then God will bless us.
Be cautious about bringing a church into debt.
Proverbs 22:26-27 says, “Don't be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans. If you have nothing with which to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you.”
If you're in debt, tithing should still be a priority. Listen, I know it's tempting to throw that money at your debt, but the discipline and faith that tithing brings are so worth it. Even while you're paying down debt, you can still have an attitude of generosity.
How to pray to get out of debt?
Please assist us in getting out of debt, and we particularly ask today that You help all who are struggling with debt because of unemployment. Help us to always turn to You for everything that we need each day. Give us the grace to rely on You in all things.
In dealing with debt in our lives, Step 1 create a zero-based budget – live within your budget and don't become a slave through borrowing. With this don't co-sign on loans and when and if you do borrow make sure that you pay back what you owe.
Proverbs 22:26-27
26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; 27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Romans 13:8 (AMPC) tells us to Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another...
It is best not to owe any debt, which should be the goal and pursuit of every Christian. But, needing to borrow is not wrong. Christians who hear God's voice and have God's financial principles to guide them can make wise borrowing decisions.
