Second, you are considered “wicked.” Psalm 37:21 says, The wicked person borrows and does not repay, but the righteous one is gracious and giving. Wicked is not a word many want attached to their name. But this is exactly how God describes those who avoid paying their bills.
You cannot be arrested or sentenced to prison for not paying off debt such as student loans, credit cards, personal loans, car loans, home loans or medical bills. A debt collector can, however, file a lawsuit against you in state civil court to collect money that you owe.
“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. We serve a just and righteous God who hates dishonesty, but what if someone owes you money? What recourse do you have?
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.
One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.
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.
“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.
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, ...
“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.
Your financial crunch may be temporary, but your credit record is enduring...and overdue bills can haunt you for years to come. No matter how tempting, trying to ignore a mounting pile of bills is the worst thing you could do. You'll end up with late fees, interest charges...and a ruined credit rating.
The answer is almost always NO. A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved. Usually, if you owe money, a creditor can take you to court and ask the judge to issue a judgment against you.
Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.
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.
Remember, God loves us and has given us these principles for our benefit. Read the first portion of Romans 13:8 from several different translations: “Owe no man anything” (KJV). “Let no debt remain outstanding” (NIV). “Don't run up debts” (MSG).
Deuteronomy 24:15 New Living Translation (NLT)
You must pay them their wages each day before sunset because they are poor and are counting on it. If you don't, they might cry out to the LORD against you, and it would be counted against you as sin.
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”.
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.
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.
Pay everyone whatever you owe them. If you owe taxes, pay them. If you owe tolls, pay them. If you owe someone respect, respect that person.
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?"
Matthew 6:12. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly endorse cremation, there's also no scriptural passage that directly prohibits it.
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).
Every debt—especially credit-card debt—is a mountain in your life that needs to be removed (Mark 11:22-24). Romans 13:8 says, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.” Clearly, debt is not from God.