Is borrowing money a sin in Christianity?

Asked by: Jaleel Barrows IV  |  Last update: June 3, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)

In Christianity, lending money with excessive interest (usury) to the poor or vulnerable is generally considered a sin, rooted in Old Testament laws (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:37) forbidding it among Israelites. However, modern Christian thought often distinguishes between exploitative interest and fair interest on capital loans, viewing moderate interest as permissible when not oppressing the needy, while emphasizing stewardship, generosity, and avoiding debt that enslaves people (Proverbs 22:7).

What does God say about borrowing money?

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.

Is being in debt a sin in Christianity?

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. We can debate the wisdom of incurring debt under certain circumstances, but it's never a black-and-white issue.

What are the two sins God cannot forgive?

The sins GOD will not Forgive is straight in scripture 1- Speaking against the HOLY SPIRIT/GHOST. [Mat 12v31-32] 2- Walking out of the faith and denying the Power of GOD which you have witnessed and putting JESUS CHRIST to shame.

What are five unforgivable sins?

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, according to the Bible, is the only stated sin that is unforgivable. Apostacy sounds a lot like it, but they are different. Apostasy is falling away from faith, while blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a deliberate, hardened rejection of God's Spirit.

Why Does The Bible Say To Lend Freely?

30 related questions found

Is owing people money a sin?

The Bible doesn't say debt is a sin or a result of disobedience. We assume it does, but not because it says it directly, but because of what we've heard or what we've interpreted from other scriptures we've read. Here are the Biblical references to debt and what they mean: Deuteronomy 15:1 - Debt is to be released.

Is having a mortgage a sin?

Remember, the Bible never says that borrowing is a sin. However, it cautions us not to become enslaved to creditors.

What does God say about struggling financially?

God's message on financial struggles emphasizes trusting Him for provision, seeking His kingdom first, avoiding debt, and practicing stewardship, with promises of support for the righteous while encouraging prudence, as seen in verses like Philippians 4:19 (God supplies needs), Matthew 6:33 (seek first God's kingdom), and Proverbs 22:7 (borrower is slave to lender). 

What is the #1 sin in the world?

According to a 2009 study by the Jesuit scholar Fr. Roberto Busa, the most common deadly sin confessed by men is lust, and the most common deadly sin confessed by women is pride.

What makes you not go to heaven?

According to various religious teachings, things that can keep someone out of heaven include persistent, unrepentant sin (like sexual immorality, greed, dishonesty, idolatry, drunkenness), loving sin more than God, refusing to believe in Jesus Christ as the way to salvation, or failing to forgive others, with some traditions also citing the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as a barrier. Many sources emphasize that simply being a "good person" isn't enough, as perfection is required, but salvation comes through faith in Jesus and repentance, not earning it.

Can you be saved and still live in sin?

It is impossible! In fact, if someone claims to be a child of God but continues in a life of sin, it is more than likely that he was never genuinely born again in the first place. You see, the Bible makes it clear that it is simply impossible for a bona fide child of God to continue in a life of sin!

Can Christians loan money with interest?

For the most part, Christians have concluded that interest is not inherently prohibited in modern societies, but that lending practices— including interest rates and collateral—must not take advantage of vulnerable people or make people destitute.

Can Christians have a mortgage?

However, borrowing should not be done to excess or done over a long time. 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.

Does the Bible prohibit any type of borrowing?

The Bible does not prohibit borrowing. However, it has strong words of caution. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). And there's this: “God paid a high price for you, don't be enslaved to the world” (1 Corinthians 7:23, NLT).

What is the #1 worst sin?

There's no single #1 worst sin; it depends on the religious or moral framework, but pride is often called the root of all evil (Christianity/Islam), while the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (unforgivable sin) is considered the gravest in the Bible. Other severe sins include child abuse (Catholicism) and sins that "cry to Heaven" (like shedding innocent blood or oppressing the poor). 

Can Christians own a house?

You need a place to live. And we need Christians in all communities, not just the rich ones but not just the poor ones either. If we're living modestly and contentedly within the community where God has placed us, it's no sin to spend what's needed to have housing.

What does the Bible say about letting people borrow money?

Matthew 5:42 says, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” At the same time, Proverbs 3:27 tells us, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”

What did Jesus say about money lending?

In Luke 6:34-35a, Jesus tells a crowd of people, “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”

Why were Christians not allowed to lend money?

In sum, early Christian doctrine prohibited usury, which was originally understood as a ban on charging any interest on any kind of loan. 62 Charging interest was understood as a violation of commutative justice because it robbed the borrower of the fruits of his own capital.

What is the spiritual meaning of borrowing money?

When Christians borrow, it suggests that God is not taking care of their needs and that they have to make up the difference with a loan. If we do not have money for something, it may be that God is saying “wait” or “no.” It is far better to wait for God to provide rather than to borrow money to make the purchase.

What three sins will God not forgive?

In truth the Bible lists three unforgivable sins, which contradicts what Jesus said about the subject they are as follows:

  • Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit we all know this one that's where the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being demon possessed. ...
  • Apostasy a willful defection from the faith. ...
  • Receiving the mark of the beast.