Exodus 22:14 - If anything is borrowed, it should be paid back. If what is borrowed is lost or injured, full restitution must be made. Ps 37:21 - The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. The Bible is clear that when something is borrowed is should be paid back.
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.
Though the Bible never condemns borrowing as a sin, it warns us repeatedly about its dangers. Let me point out two of the strongest warnings. Borrowing puts us under the hand of another. “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).
This is outlined in the Jewish scriptures, specifically in the Torah: If thou lend money to any of My people, even to the poor with thee, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest. Take thou no interest of him or increase; but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Luke 6:34-35
Here we have Jesus saying, “lend, expecting noth- ing in return,” again to the crowds as well as to Jesus' disciples (Lk 17, 7:1). Garland (2011) suggests that Jesus says this because his teaching reaffirms the essence of the Old Testament prohibition against interest.
While borrowing isn't sinful, churches must carefully consider the financial and spiritual implications before taking on debt. By following biblical principles and partnering with the right institutions, churches can make informed decisions that support their mission to advance the Gospel.
Deuteronomy 15:6 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
For the LORD your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.
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.
Luke 7:41-50 New Living Translation (NLT)
Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Borrowing
They were really a form of charity, and were made by the lender only to meet the pressure of poverty. To the borrower they were esteemed a form of misfortune (Deuteronomy 28:12), and by the lender a form of beneficence.
Proverbs 21:20 says, “Be sensible and store up precious treasures—don't waste them like a fool” (Contemporary English Version). Proverbs 6:6-8 describes the ant, who saves during a time of plenty for a time when there will be need. We, too, should save now for future expenses.
“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.
Borrowing money seems like a fact of life in our culture, unavoidable. 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).
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.
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”.
Turning to the New Testament, in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:42, Jesus says, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Deuteronomy 23:19 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995) “You shall not charge interest to your countrymen: interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
The Bible issues a single specific warning regarding a particular danger of borrowing. Proverbs 22:7 clearly states the nature of that danger, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” The verse makes it clear that debt imposes an obligation.
Proverbs 28:27 (KJV) – He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Galatians 6:2 (MSG) – Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law.
No, tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament for New Testament believers; it is however stated as something Jews should do whilst not neglecting more important aspects of faith.
If you're intent on buying but it'll require a loan, there are no biblical prohibitions against borrowing. However, there is this cautionary note: “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Take an objective look at whether a car payment will fit on your cash flow plan (a.k.a., “budget”).
In the Old Testament, God required Israelite farmers and herdsmen to give the tithe regardless if they were in debt or not. This is not so for us because the Holy Spirit guides us under a different covenant. There is no absolute requirement to give a tithe regardless of your situation.
Many churches have benevolence funds to help people (primarily members) get through a financial rough patch. But many folks who readily support their church having a benevolence fund would find it difficult to ask for help from it.