“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.
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. Your ways are not our ways.
Proverbs 22:26-27 New Century Version (NCV)
Don't promise to pay what someone else owes, and don't guarantee anyone's loan. If you cannot pay the loan, your own bed may be taken right out from under you.
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. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.
Generally speaking, debt can't usually be transferred to another person. If you're not named on the credit agreement and you didn't sign it, or put your name down as a guarantor, then in most cases, the debt can't be transferred to you.
It's possible to serve jail time if you've failed to pay your federal taxes or make child support payments. You can't go to jail merely for owing credit card, student loan, personal loan or other types of debt, which we'll explain below.
Romans 13:7 In-Context
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
We can and should ask God for financial help, but always in the light of what the true purpose of prayer is—to lead us into a closer relationship with and obedience to God (James 4:8).
Psalms 37:21-22 The Passion Translation (TPT)
They break their promises, borrowing money but never paying it back. The good man returns what he owes with some extra besides. YAHWEH's blessed ones receive the land, but the cursed ones will be cut off with nothing to show for themselves.
Unless the matter also involves violence or an immediate threat there is really not much that the police can do for you if someone owes you money on a loan. More likely, the police will direct you to sue them in court, and depending on the amount you are owed you can file the lawsuit in small claims court.
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”.
He will avenge you.
It's good to want justice in the world, but when you try to get it for yourself, you've put yourself in His place. Romans 12:19 says, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord” (ESV).
A formal letter is the first course of action as this may get the debtor to agree to the money being owed. If that happens, you could agree to a date for payment of the debt or a payment plan being constructed so the debt can be paid off in smaller chunks acceptable to both parties.
The plaintiff might attempt wage garnishment or bank account levies. Some defendants might be considered “judgment proof” if they have no assets. Possible Outcomes and Future Collection: Judgments remain active for several years and could be renewed.
Write in a friendly tone, even if payments are late. Make the payment due date clear, and reiterate the payment terms they agreed to. Remind them how they can pay, and list the payment methods you offer. Provide clear details of the work they're paying for.
Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules.
Write a demand letter
In the letter, explain to the borrower that they haven't repaid the loan as promised, and they need to do so. Give them a time limit to respond. (Be reasonable.) Explain the consequences if they ignore the letter.
In certain cases, yes, you can be forced to pay someone else's debts. If your spouse, for example, obtains a necessity of life (food, clothing or medical care) and cannot pay for it, you can be forced to pay for your spouse's debt.
Medical debt and hospital bills don't simply go away after death. In most states, they take priority in the probate process, meaning they usually are paid first, by selling off assets if need be.
Send a dispute letter to the debt collector
If you believe a debt is not yours, you only have 30 days from receiving the initial contact from the collection agency to send a dispute letter. To assert your right to contest the debt, you must do so in writing.