What does God say about paying off debt?

Asked by: Annamae Frami PhD  |  Last update: June 20, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (73 votes)

God makes it abundantly clear in the Bible how he feels about debt: “Don't withhold repayment of your debts” (Proverbs 3:27 TLB). Romans 13:8 says, “Let no debt remain outstanding” (NIV). God declares the same wisdom that most of us have intuitively: Debt is not a good thing.

What does the Bible say about paying your own debt?

2 Kings 4:7 - Pay your debts. Nehemiah 10:31 - Forgo the exaction of every debt. Proverbs 22:26 - Do not become guarantors for debts.

What does Proverbs 22:7 say about debt?

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.

Does God want us to be debt free?

In Romans 13:8, the apostle Paul challenges us to “owe no one anything, except to love.” This isn't just about money—it's about the freedom that comes when we live with integrity, responsibility, and trust in God's provision. Debt can weigh us down—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.

How to break the spirit of debt?

  • 1. Commit to becoming debt-free now.
  • 2. Start paying God and yourself first.
  • 3. List all you own, owe, and earn.
  • 4. Have a sale.
  • 5. Set up a repayment plan.
  • 6. Add no new debt.
  • 7. Share the plan with your creditors.
  • 8. Stick to it.

FREE YOURSELF FROM DEBT WITH THESE POWERFUL SCRIPTURES

20 related questions found

What is the powerful prayer to clear debt?

Please assist us in getting out of debt, and we particularly ask today that You help us and all who are struggling with debt to grow in perseverance in prayer. Help us to devote ourselves more fully to You each day of our lives. Give us the grace to trust You in all things.

What is the 7 7 7 rule in collections?

No More Than Seven Times in a Seven-Day Period

Under the 7-in-7 Rule, debt collectors are restricted to contacting a consumer no more than seven times within any seven days. This rule applies to all communication methods, whether phone calls, emails, text messages, or other forms of contact.

What is the #1 worst sin?

Pride is known as hubris (from the Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility; it is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins—the most demonic—on almost every list. Pride is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Pride is viewed as the opposite of humility.

What psalm is for debt cancellation?

Bible Verses for Declaration: Deuteronomy 28:12 — “The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand.” Psalm 37:21 — “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous is generous and gives.” Romans 13:8 — “Owe no one anything ...

Is owing debt a sin?

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.

How to deal with debt biblically?

It's a Spiritual Principle: We Reap What We Sow (Galatians 6:7) I've discovered the best way to deal with money is to give it away. This is a key factor in helping us to maintain a biblical focus on our finances. And we need to keep on giving, especially during challenging financial times.

What is the 80 20 rule Dave Ramsey?

Ramsey suggests that if you want to get out of debt, 20% is knowing what to do and 80% is doing it. If you want to save up for a home, 20% is knowing what investment strategies to use and 80% is sticking with it.

Is Proverbs 22:6 a warning?

The verse is not a promise of blessing consequent of godly training and parenting, but a warning against letting a child live according to his/her natural, sinful desires. In addition to grammatical reasons, this understanding seems to better fit the context of Proverbs and Scripture as a whole.

Is it a sin not to pay debt?

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.

What does God say about struggling financially?

Turning to Bible verses for financial struggles can be incredibly helpful. Verses such as Philippians 4:19, which states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” are a reminder that God is a faithful provider.

Should Christians take out loans?

And, as the Bible teaches, the opposite is true. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” (Psalm 37:21). So, when borrowing, be as certain as possible that you have the wherewithal to repay the money. Again, the Bible does not prohibit borrowing, but it encourages a cautious approach.

What is the miracle prayer to get out of debt?

Father, in Jesus' name, I'm asking for Your strategies. I trust Your generosity and know You want to lead me to wisdom. So give me Your wisdom to do the right things and make the right moves to get out of debt quickly. Father, in Jesus' name, I'm asking for a sustainable income.

What does Jeremiah 33:3 say?

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV) states: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” This verse is a powerful reminder of God's invitation to seek Him through prayer.

How to pray your way out of debt?

Lord, I know I'm going to have to make some changes–and I commit to do so. But Lord, I pray for Your supernatural help while I walk down this journey. Please, Father, in Jesus' name, wipe out the requirements of debt that are against me.

What is the unforgivable sin to God?

In Mark 3:29 Jesus says that “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” Matthew's account adds that even blasphemy against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but not blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32).

What are the 7 sins that God hates verse?

Proverbs 6:16-19 New Living Translation (NLT)

There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

Who is the weakest sin?

According to Crimson, Asmodeus is the weakest and most non-threatening of the sins, however it is unknown if this is true or was just a taunt or insult from Crimson. It could also be a reference to Dante Alighieri's Inferno where Lust is regarded as the least bad sin for which people are damned.

What two debts cannot be erased?

Special debts like child support, alimony and student loans, will not be eliminated when filing for bankruptcy.

What happens if I ignore a debt collector?

Here are some of the biggest consequences of ignoring debt collectors: - Your credit score will fall, which makes it harder to get new credit and sometimes even employment or housing - Debt collectors may get more aggressive in trying to contact you or your friends or family (though they're limited in what they can say ...

What does reg f mean?

Regulation F establishes national standards for fair, transparent, and compliant debt collection practices. It sets clear expectations for how agencies communicate, what information they must provide, and how they document their interactions.