Be cautious about going into debt.
The Bible warns us about debt. Proverbs 22:26-27 says Don't be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans. If you have nothing with which to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you. To put it plainly—Be careful.
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?"
It's wrong not to repay debts
Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back.” This doesn't necessarily mean that it's always wrong for a Christian to declare bankruptcy.
“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.
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”.
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.
If you're in debt, tithing should still be a priority. Listen, I know it's tempting to throw that money at your debt, but the discipline and faith that tithing brings are so worth it. Even while you're paying down debt, you can still have an attitude of generosity.
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.
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.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly endorse cremation, there's also no scriptural passage that directly prohibits it.
We boldly ask you for provision, Lord, and we hold you to Your promises. May we entrust our lives, our bills, and our bank accounts to you. May we commit our salaries, our investments, and our assets to your care.
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.
God's plan seems to be that we have some needs so that we can develop our faith in Him. It is vital for us to view potential future financial needs as opportunities to exercise and develop our faith. No Christian can truly serve God and live in fear of financial loss.
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.
You'll end up with late fees, interest charges...and a ruined credit rating. Don't stick your head in the sand. While these may be effective, the concept of borrowing money to clear up obligations is not considered to be a generally sound approach.
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.
Some may say "God won't curse you for not tithing, but if you don't tithe you won't be blessed. And without being blessed, you will continue to stay under the curse." No, this is not the truth. Jesus took the curse you deserved and bore it away.
The Bible doesn't say debt is a sin or a result of disobedience. We assume it does, but not because it says it directly, but because of what we've heard or what we've interpreted from other scriptures we've read. Here are the Biblical references to debt and what they mean: Deuteronomy 15:1 - Debt is to be released.
The tithe is God's law for his children, yet the payment is entirely voluntary. In this respect it does not differ from the law of the Sabbath or from any other of his laws. We may refuse to obey any or all of them. Our obedience is voluntary, but our refusal to pay does not abrogate or repeal 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).
A Powerful Prayer for Getting Out of Debt
Dear God, I pray for relief from the burden and unbearable weight of debt. I'm so thankful that even though I may have made bad choices that got me into debt, You are much bigger than my mistakes. I ask for deliverance from the stress of debt.
Throughout the Bible, we find powerful promises of God's provision and encouragement to trust Him with our needs. From verses about prosperity to prayers for financial security, Scripture reminds us that God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives, including our finances.