What does the Bible say about living debt free?

Asked by: Neha Rodriguez  |  Last update: February 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (50 votes)

The Bible on Debt Scripture does not say that debt is a sin, but it strongly discourages it. Remember, God loves us and has given us these principles for our benefit. Read the first portion of Romans 13:8 from several different translations: “Owe no man anything” (KJV). “Let no debt remain outstanding” (NIV).

What does God say about being debt free?

Romans 13:8 (AMPC) tells us to Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another... My husband, Dave, says that if we learn to live within our income, or our borders, then God will bless us.

What does the Bible say about people who don't pay debts?

“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. We serve a just and righteous God who hates dishonesty, but what if someone owes you money? What recourse do you have?

How does God say to get out of debt?

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.

Should Christians live debt free?

Remember, the Bible never says that borrowing is a sin. However, it cautions us not to become enslaved to creditors. One of the ways we can honor Jesus' sacrifice is to avoid such entanglements.

Becoming Debt Free | Joyce Meyer

44 related questions found

Does God want us to be financially free?

Financial freedom means having enough to provide adequately for your household and to give generously and joyfully to God's work. God wants you to be financially free so you can put Him first in your life and be sensitive to His voice, ready to follow Him whenever -- and wherever -- He leads.

Are you rich if you are debt free?

Debt is simply money that you bought, and the price of the money is the interest or whatever other fees you're paying to buy the money. That's all it is. And one of the things I say about debt is that paying off debt doesn't make you rich. Meaning that once you pay off the debt, you don't start making money from it.

Is not paying debt 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). Christians should not besmirch the name of Christ by being a deadbeat.

Is debt forgiveness in the Bible?

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, ...

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 do proverbs say about debt?

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?"

Is it a sin to borrow money?

Borrowing money is not a sin. But it isn't God's best either. Everything in God's Word is designed to keep you at the top in every area of life—including financially. You are called to be the head, not the tail; above, not beneath; and the lender, not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28:12-13).

What does the Bible say about cremation?

While the Bible doesn't explicitly endorse cremation, there's also no scriptural passage that directly prohibits it.

How did Jesus feel about debt?

As in Matthew 6:12 above, debts are taken to mean sin. Just as the king (God) had forgiven the debts (sins) of his slaves, so the unforgiving slave should have forgiven the debts (sins toward him) of his fellow slaves. Forgiveness is to replace indebtedness.

Is it a sin to not pay your bills?

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.

Is credit allowed in the Bible?

It's not a sin to have credit and it never has been, even in the bible. Very few people can live debt free, no matter how rich, no matter how poor, people live with debt, some great and some not so great, but a debt nonetheless.

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.

Is it biblical to be debt free?

One of the key verses often cited is Romans 13:8, which states, 'Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ' This verse suggests a lifestyle of not being in debt to anyone, promoting financial independence and ethical responsibility.

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 sin will never be forgiven?

One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.

What is the only debt that Cannot be forgiven?

Key Takeaways. Types of debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy include alimony, child support, and certain unpaid taxes. Other types of debt that cannot be alleviated in bankruptcy include debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

Is debt a curse or blessing?

Debts & loans are Blessings when managed prudently, but become a curse when used abruptly. Gone are the days when our fathers, grandfathers bought house & vehicles in cash. Money generally borrowed from relatives & friends, banking system & credit institutions were not so user friendly and reachable to masses.

Is it better to be debt free or have cash?

While the answer varies for each individual, it often pays to strike a balance between the two. Building up a savings account helps ensure you'll be able to afford emergency expenses without going further into debt.

How do billionaires live off debt?

Wealthy family borrows against its assets' growing value and uses the newly available cash to live off or invest in other assets, like rental properties. The family does NOT owe taxes on its asset-leveraged loans because the government doesn't tax borrowed money.

Are people happier without debt?

Debt and Happiness

Those who reported feeling happier in retirement had one big reason why: No debt. About 62 percent of retirees who said they were “much happier” in retirement also said they had paid off all of their debt before retiring.