“The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.” (Proverbs 22:7). Those who have money usually have power — so they usually set the rules in society. While those who borrow money are indeed at the mercy of their lenders: you either pay back the loan or lose your collateral.
The Bible has a lot to say about borrowing, but the primary message is simply that what is borrowed should be paid back. It doesn't prohibit borrowing, nor does it portray that borrowing is bad.
According to Leviticus 25:37, “You shall not lend [your brother] your money at interest.” Exodus 22:25 stipulates” “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.” Deuteronomy 23:20 says much the same thing about loans ...
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?"
Be careful how you lend and when you borrow. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” This isn't a warning to never lend money as some have used it. It's a caution about what happens when imperfect sinners lend and borrow from each other.
“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.
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.
Hence, incurring a debt is not a sin. 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).
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.
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.
“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.
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”.
ESV "And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
The first collection, Proverbs 10:1-22:16, consists of an assortment of proverbs written by Solomon.
For pithy biblical guidance on the question of lending and borrowing, we turn to Prov 22:7: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is slave of the lender.”2 Though many read the proverb as an obvious financial caution to would-be borrowers, it should also be heard as a warning to enslaving lenders and those ...
Paul writes in Romans 13:8 that we are to owe no man anything except love. If you have any doubts about it, we can assure you that borrowing and lending between family members will almost certainly get in the way of love at some point or other.
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, ...
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.
These are the ten biblical financial principles: God is the source; give first; live on a margin; save money; keep out of debt; be content with what you have; keep records; don't cosign; work hard and seek godly counsel.
While you may feel pressured or obligated to offer a loan, it's important to consider whether it makes sense for you and your financial situation. For instance, if lending money to someone would put a strain on your own finances and make it difficult to keep up with your bill payments, it's probably not the best move.
Leviticus 19:27 Amplified Bible (AMP)
You shall not trim and round off the side-growth of [the hair on] your heads, nor mar the edges of your beard.
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.
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.
You could say something like, "It would be helpful to me if you could make a payment towards the loan today." If you're worried your friend may truly be having trouble repaying the money, say something like, "I know you're still struggling, but is there a small amount you could pay me now?"