The Bible does not explicitly forbid taking out loans, but it strongly discourages debt, calling it a form of slavery that places the borrower under the lender's authority (Proverbs 22:7). While recognizing it as a reality, Scripture advises extreme caution, warns against surety (guaranteeing others' debt), and commands that all borrowed money must be repaid (Psalm 37:21, Proverbs 22:26-27).
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).
Just as the Bible doesn't say that it's a sin to borrow money, it also doesn't say that it's a sin to loan money. Still, it's important to remember that when you loan someone money, you inevitably change your relationship with that person — even if he or she is your own child.
First, God's Word tells us to help those in need … lending money if necessary. Deuteronomy 15:8 says, “You shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”
The Bible is very clear that if someone goes into debt, they must be faithful to pay it. Because debts must be paid, other priorities must be put in secondary or tertiary positions. This is required, since, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives” Psalm 37:21.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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).
Christian religious prohibitions on usury are predicated upon the belief that charging interest on a loan is a sin.
Proverbs 11:24 teaches a paradox about wealth: generosity leads to increase, while stinginess leads to poverty, even though it seems counterintuitive. It says a person who scatters or gives freely becomes richer, while someone who withholds more than is right (hoards) ends up in want or poverty. The core message is that true financial security and prosperity come from a generous spirit, not from selfishly holding onto resources.
Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.
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 the Bible Says About Debt. According to the Psalmist, the borrower is reckoned as wicked because of the choice not to repay the debt, not simply because he or she owed it. This Scripture does not condemn debt outright, nor label borrowers as sinful.
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, ...
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).
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.
Deuteronomy 23:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Do not charge interest on the loans you make to a fellow Israelite, whether you loan money, or food, or anything else.
Isaiah 60:22 is a Bible verse promising transformation and growth, stating that "The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly" (NIV), emphasizing God's ability to make small beginnings into powerful forces at His perfect time. It assures believers that seemingly insignificant things or people will flourish and become great when God acts, bringing peace and fulfillment.
3) The Stingy Giver – Saul, who wanted to offer the spoils of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 14:17-23). 4) The Sacrificial Giver – David, who refused to give that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).
6 Keys to Biblical Wealth and Prosperity in Every Part of Your Life
In fact, the Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 13:8 (NKJV) that we shouldn't owe anything to anyone aside from love. He wrote, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” The Bible doesn't just warn about you going into debt either.
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.”
Proverbs says, “Don't withhold repayment of your debts” (Proverbs 3:27 TLB). And in Romans you can read, “Let no debt remain outstanding” (Romans 13:8 NIV). You probably already know this intuitively, but God makes it clear in the Bible: Debt is not a good thing.
By Dave Lescalleet. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.