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?"
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.
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.
While being in debt is not a sin, Romans 13:8 tells the Christian to avoid being in debt. Sinners borrow from others and never return what they borrowed (Psalm 37:21). Christians should not besmirch the name of Christ by being a deadbeat.
Remember, the Bible never says that borrowing is a sin. However, it cautions us not to become enslaved to creditors. One of the ways we can honor Jesus' sacrifice is to avoid such entanglements.
The Bible does not forbid debt, but it does not speak positively of it. It acknowledges that debt is a part of life, but has several warnings that we need to pay attention to. Though debt was a part of the culture in Biblical times, it was very different than today.
Throughout the Bible, we find powerful promises of God's provision and encouragement to trust Him with our needs. From verses about prosperity to prayers for financial security, Scripture reminds us that God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, including our finances.
Turning to Bible verses for financial struggles can be incredibly helpful. Verses such as Philippians 4:19, which states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” are a reminder that God is a faithful provider.
You are the God who provides all my needs according to your riches in Glory. I come to You as I am struggling financially, asking for your provision. Remove my fear, doubt, and unbelief. Fill me with Your peace and confidence in the promise of your care for me in time of need.
Dear God, I pray for relief from the burden and unbearable weight of debt. I'm so thankful that even though I may have made bad choices that got me into debt, You are much bigger than my mistakes. I ask for deliverance from the stress of debt.
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, ...
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.
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.
We can and should ask God for financial help, but always in the light of what the true purpose of prayer is—to lead us into a closer relationship with and obedience to God (James 4:8).
Our sins cannot unjustify us or remove us from the gracious gift of God, but we can grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to repent. And if we don't, we will reap what we sow.
Financial freedom means having enough to provide adequately for your household and to give generously and joyfully to God's work. God wants you to be financially free so you can put Him first in your life and be sensitive to His voice, ready to follow Him whenever -- and wherever -- He leads.
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.
“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.
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.
You must not lend them money at interest or sell them food at a profit.” In the Book of Ezekiel, the charging of interest is described as one of the most terrible sins and as an outrage. It is stated, he who “takes advance or accrued interest; shall he then live? He shall not.
The Bible teaches that when money is borrowed there should also be a secure repayment plan. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.” This text is clear. It does not say the person who borrows is wicked, but rather the one who borrows and does not pay back.