Is debt a curse or blessing?

Asked by: June Grant  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (11 votes)

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.

What does the Bible say about debt?

Probably the most well-known scripture about money management that deals with debt is Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), which says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Translation: If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.

Where in the Bible does it say debt is a curse?

The Bible says that debt is a curse (Deut 28:44-45) and the borrower is servant (slave) to the lender (Prov 22:7). But Jesus came to set the captives free (Gal 5:1) and to release people from the curse into blessing (Gal 3:13-14)! How can we set people free from debt today?

Is debt allowed in Christianity?

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. Still, the need to pay it back remains.

Is it a sin to collect debt?

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.

Debt is a Curse

20 related questions found

Does God forgive debt?

Jesus also taught us to ask God to "forgive us our debts [sins] as we forgive our debtors [those who sin against us]" (Matthew 6:12, Luke 11:4). Sin creates a spiritual debt.

Can Christians have collections?

Answer: Collecting things is only sinful if we are spending money collecting things that should be spent on food, clothing, housing, family, etc. Collecting can also be sinful if we are spending time on our hobby rather than on our work, family, or life responsibilities.

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.

What did Jesus say about borrowing money?

The first time the New Testament mentions Jesus saying anything to do with lending is Matthew 5:42. Here, Jesus says, “Give to every- one who begs from you and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” Borrow means getting “tem- porary use of money etc. to be returned …

Should Christians tithe when in debt?

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.

What did Jesus say about debt forgiveness?

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, ...

What does the Bible say about someone who owes you money?

“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” - Psalm 37:21. As Christians, we know that paying our debts is important.

What is the powerful prayer when someone owes you money?

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.

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.

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).

Is saving money biblical?

Wise Saving brings glory to God

At the end of the day, Biblical stewardship brings glory to God. As a part of stewardship, wise saving does this in several ways: Saving a portion of the income we earn shows that we value God's provision; after all, He is the one who enables us to earn (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

Is being in debt a sin?

When you borrow your neighbors tools or a cup of sugar, you are incurring a debt to return what was borrowed. Hence, incurring a debt is not a sin. While being in debt is not a sin, Romans 13:8 tells the Christian to avoid being in debt.

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?

Is lending money with interest a sin in Christianity?

Biblical prohibitions on usury were later redefined as prohibitions on lending at excessive interest rates. Today, charging interest on loans is an everyday part of life. Modern Christian leaders condemn excessive interest rates, but not the lending of money itself.

Is it a sin to borrow money?

Borrowing money is not a sin. But it isn't God's best either. Everything in God's Word is designed to keep you at the top in every area of life—including financially. You are called to be the head, not the tail; above, not beneath; and the lender, not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28:12-13).

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.

Is it forgive us our sins or debts?

We do find different words in this phrase as the petition in Matthew is “forgive us our debts” while Luke reads “forgive us our sins.” It's important to note that the words used in these two versions are not “debts” and “trespasses” but “debts” and “sins”!

Should I tithe if I am in debt?

Always. We encourage you to continue doing it even as you dig your way out of debt. Once you're debt-free and you've taken care of your own household's needs (1 Timothy 5:8), you can blow people away with your generosity, and maybe even win a few hearts for Christ. Now that's what God loves to see.

What religion does not allow debt?

Judaism. The book of Deuteronomy prohibits Jews from charging interest except when making loans to foreigners.

Is hoarding a sin in the Bible?

Basically, the Bible teaches that there are two types of hoarding. One is sinful and the other isn't. When considering this issue, we always need to weigh our own hearts and ask God to reveal our motives to us (Psa. 139:23-24).