Does the Bible say to cancel debt?

Asked by: Mrs. Cali Watsica  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (17 votes)

Deuteronomy 15:1-6 (NIV) At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

Is debt forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

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, ...

How to get out of debt according to the Bible?

4 Biblical Principles for Getting Out of Debt
  1. Step 1: Pray. “But in my distress, I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. ...
  2. Step 2: Understand your role in getting out of debt. ...
  3. Step 3: Make paying off your debt a priority. ...
  4. Step 4: Don't be greedy.

Where in the Bible does it say not to pay debt?

Proverbs 22:26-27 ERV. Don't promise to pay someone else's debt. If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on?

What does Jesus say about repaying debt?

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. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid.

Is Financial DEBT Forgiveness in the Bible?

17 related questions found

What does the Bible say about debt cancellation?

Deuteronomy 15:1-6 (NIV) At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

Is it a sin to owing debt?

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”.

Does the Bible say debt is paid?

All of us have a spiritual debt we cannot pay, but the Bible tells us God has paid our debt! He canceled the payment due for our sins and instead accepted the payment His Son Jesus provided when He died on the cross (Colossians 2:14).

What psalm is for debt cancellation?

Psalm 3 serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of these ancient teachings, offering a blueprint for those seeking to find relief from debts and embrace a path of prosperity.

Is it Biblical to be debt free?

One of the key verses often cited is Romans 13:8, which states, 'Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ' This verse suggests a lifestyle of not being in debt to anyone, promoting financial independence and ethical responsibility.

How does God view debt?

“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.

Is it a sin to not pay your bills?

It's wrong not to repay debts

Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back.” This doesn't necessarily mean that it's always wrong for a Christian to declare bankruptcy.

What does the Bible say about having a mortgage?

However, the Bible cautions God's people against becoming indebted beyond our ability to repay, since we are expected to honor our promises in keeping with Jesus' words to let our “yes” be “yes” according to Matthew 5:37.

What is the parable of cancelling debt?

The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

A man owed the king ten thousand talents close talentsA unit of currency used in the Roman Empire.. He could not pay so he begged for mercy – and the king cancelled the debt.

What happens every 7 years in the Bible?

In Leviticus 25, we find the first reference to Jubilee, as part of the law given by Yahweh to the Israelites. These verses describe God's intent that the Israelites should remain free from slavery for all time by instituting a Sabbath year every seven years.

How to pray for debt cancellation?

5 Prayers for Immediate Debt Cancellation

1) Divine Financial Breakthrough: Lord, I come before You with a heavy heart burdened by debt. I ask for Your divine intervention to provide a financial breakthrough. Open doors of opportunity and bless me with the resources to clear my debts. Amen.

Can God cancel debts?

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 ...

What scripture says to eliminate debt?

Deuteronomy 15:1-2

1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any 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.

How do you pray to repay debt?

Show me a plan to repay what I owe and help me avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary borrowing in the future. Cause me to trust in Your promises for my deliverance from debt. You have already made me more than a conqueror in all these things. So, my heart thanks you!

How to pray for financial breakthrough?

Prayer for financial breakthrough:

"Dear God, I pray for a breakthrough in my financial situation. Please open doors and create opportunities for me to increase my income and achieve financial freedom."

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in Leviticus 19:28 of the Old Testament. But context is key—and this scripture may not apply to us in the way it looks.

What does the Bible say about cremation?

While the Bible doesn't explicitly endorse cremation, there's also no scriptural passage that directly prohibits it.

How can God get me out of debt?

Seven Steps for Getting Out of Debt
  1. The first thing of most importance is to have the right view of God. ...
  2. Find this right view through scripture and because of that, through Jesus Christ. ...
  3. Pray. ...
  4. Be honest with yourself about your debts. ...
  5. Make a budget and stick to it. ...
  6. Be grateful if you have a job and do it well.

Is debt forgiveness Biblical?

And central to the Lord's Prayer is this line, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” According to Jesus, an understanding of debt and debt forgiveness is actually central to how we relate to God and how we relate to other people.

Is debt a curse or blessing?

Debts & loans are Blessings when managed prudently, but become a curse when used abruptly. Gone are the days when our fathers, grandfathers bought house & vehicles in cash. Money generally borrowed from relatives & friends, banking system & credit institutions were not so user friendly and reachable to masses.