What does the Bible say about paying people what you owe them?

Asked by: Zelma Harber Jr.  |  Last update: January 31, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (28 votes)

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.

What does the Bible say about paying what you owe?

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.

What does the Bible say about paying someone else's debt?

Don't promise to pay someone else's debt. If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on?

Is owing someone money a sin?

You can owe money to other people and not be in sin. However, debt carries a responsibility - you must repay your debts. Think about it, borrowing money is a promise to the lender to return the borrowed money. All promises must be kept.

What does the Bible say about paying people what they are worth?

Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise, they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.” God is concerned that men and women should not be taken advantage of, but should receive their just wages.

Christians & Debt: The Wicked Borrow but Do Not Pay Back - Ask Pastor Tim

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What does the Bible say about paying people fairly?

When someone works for you, they earn their wages; their salary is not a gift you give them, but rather a debt you owe them (Romans 4:4). Paying them fairly includes paying them on time (Leviticus 19:13). Oppressing someone by denying them a fair wage or not paying them on time is a sin (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).

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.

What does the Bible say about paying someone?

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 The Message (MSG)

Pay him at the end of each workday; he's living from hand to mouth and needs it now. If you hold back his pay, he'll protest to GOD and you'll have sin on your books.

How to pray when someone owes you money?

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.

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, ...

How to deal with owing people money?

Talk to them and explain carefully and calmly why you have not been able to make your payments on time. Make sure that you are very honest with them, because after all, they trusted you enough to lend you money. Apologise profusely.

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.

What do proverbs say about paying debts?

Proverbs 22:26-27

"Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.

What does the Bible say about paying off someone else's debt?

Proverbs 11:15 In-Context

15 If you promise to pay a stranger's debt, you will regret it. You are better off if you don't get involved. 16 A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace.

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.

Does God pay people back?

God said in Isaiah, “He will pay you back double for the unfair things that have happened.” If you're going to see double, you have to know that God is going to make it up to you. It may be unfair, but God is a just God. He saw what happened. He knows who hurt you, what you lost, what you're struggling with.

What does God say to do when someone owes you money?

“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.

Can God bless you financially?

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.

How do you treat someone who owes you money?

  1. Send a Demand Letter.
  2. Can You Go to The Police If Someone Owes You Money?
  3. Using Empathy As a Way of Getting Paid Back.
  4. Ask For Repayment Directly.
  5. Offer a Payment Plan.
  6. Brainstorm Together Other Creative Ways to Get Paid Back.
  7. Think About Going to Mediation.
  8. When All Else Fails, Consider Going to Small Claims Court.

What does the Bible say about paying what is owed?

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.

What does the Bible say about freeloaders?

14 Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. 15 And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other.

What does Proverbs 22 verse 9 mean?

A person who is "good in the eye" sincerely seeks the good of others; they actively look for ways to help. This proverb directly connects this attitude with actions: we know such a person has a "good eye" because we see them sharing with those less fortunate. The word "poor" identifies the feeble, weak, and helpless.

What does Proverbs 17 verse 14 say?

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. 14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

What is Proverbs 12:24?

Proverbs 12:24 in Other Translations

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. 24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

What is Proverbs 4:23?

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.