What does the Bible say about debt relief?

Asked by: Linda Ruecker MD  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)

Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. 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.

What does the Bible say about debt forgiveness?

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, ...

How to pay off debt according to the Bible?

God can help you pay off your debt better using less of your money than you can pay off your debt using all your money; therefore, continuing to give is a strategy. Rod Rogers said, “If you want God's help to get out of debt, you must put God first in your giving.

What does the Bible say about clearing debt?

Deuteronomy 15:1-2

1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

Are debts forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

Bible Gateway Deuteronomy 15 :: NIV. At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.

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What did Jesus say about paying your debts?

Matthew 6:12 - Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. 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.

Is it true that after seven years I don t have to pay my debts?

This time frame varies by state and type of debt but typically ranges from three to six years for credit card debt. So, by the seven-year mark, most creditors will be unable to sue you over your unpaid credit card debt. In some states, though, the statute of limitations can be as long as 15 years.

How can God get me out of debt?

Seven Steps for Getting Out of Debt
  1. The first thing of most importance is to have the right view of God. ...
  2. Find this right view through scripture and because of that, through Jesus Christ. ...
  3. Pray. ...
  4. Be honest with yourself about your debts. ...
  5. Make a budget and stick to it. ...
  6. Be grateful if you have a job and do it well.

What happens every 7 years in the Bible?

In Leviticus 25, we find the first reference to Jubilee, as part of the law given by Yahweh to the Israelites. These verses describe God's intent that the Israelites should remain free from slavery for all time by instituting a Sabbath year every seven years.

What does Proverbs 3 verse 27 mean?

Proverbs 3:27-28 is a very sweeping, broad stroke scripture. It offers quite a bit of instruction. First of all, it says in verse 27 we must not withhold good from our neighbors. The word good here does not mean just being nice in general. The emphasis is on providing tangible goods or material goods for our neighbor.

Should you tithe while paying off debt?

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.

What psalm is for paying off debt?

Responsibility and Integrity in Paying Debts:

Psalm 37:21 (NIV):”The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

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.

Is it a sin to owing debt?

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”.

How do you pray for debt cancellation?

I commit this hard work to You and trust You will help me come out debt free. 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.

What does Proverbs 19:17 say?

ESV Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. NIV Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. NASB One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.

Where in the Bible does it say to cancel debt?

Deuteronomy 15:1-6 (NIV) At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.

What happens before the rapture?

Jesus told us about the events that happens just before the rapture. The first one is, the antichrist must setup an image in the Jewish rebuilt temple first. After this, there will be the great tribulation, which is the persecution of all believers in Christ.

Is debt forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.

Is debt forgiveness biblical?

And central to the Lord's Prayer is this line, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” According to Jesus, an understanding of debt and debt forgiveness is actually central to how we relate to God and how we relate to other people.

What does God say about unpaid debt?

“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.

How to biblically pay off debt?

9 Steps to get out of debt
  1. Pray. Place your journey to financial freedom in God's hands. ...
  2. Keep Tithing and Giving. ...
  3. Cut up all but one credit card. ...
  4. Do not add any new debt. ...
  5. Make a list of all your debt. ...
  6. Start paying. ...
  7. Pay extra. ...
  8. On to the next.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?

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.

Can I just never pay my debt?

Eventually, unpaid debts are charged off – meaning the creditor writes them off as a loss. That doesn't mean the debt disappears, however, or that you no longer owe the money. The creditor may transfer the debt to an in-house collection department or they may sell the debt to a third party debt collection agency.