Why is it a sin to be in debt?

Asked by: Mr. Ernie Klein  |  Last update: March 30, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)

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”. That's not at all how Jesus intended us to live.

Is being in 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.

What did Jesus say about being in 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.

Why is sin a debt?

When sin is seen as debt, it carries the idea that we owe God something that we have not given to Him: our allegiance, loyalty, trust, and obedience. There is a penalty for sin, death, which we cannot pay so God made a way for it to be paid for us through the atoning work of Jesus.

Does the Bible say debt should be forgiven?

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, ...

Sin & Debt

42 related questions found

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).

Does the Bible say to forgive debt every 7 years?

Deuteronomy 15:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)

At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money. This is how it must be done.

What is the most hated sin?

Pride, also known as hubris (from Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility, is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins on almost every list, the most demonic. It is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Pride is the opposite of humility.

How are we in debt to God?

We are debtors to God because He paid for us a debt we were unable to pay ourselves. God paid the debt for our sins by sacrificing His own Son: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Why is money a sin?

Money itself does not lead to evil. But it's the love of money, or the intense greed for material gain, that is the issue. Craving money is not the same thing as genuinely desiring more money. You can desire more money and still pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

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 lending money with interest a sin in Christianity?

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.

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.

What did Jesus say about debt?

Christ doesn't say debt will take a man to hell, but the Bible does say pay what is owed. So, it's all about trying to follow Christ with your heart. Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

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.

Are credit cards a sin?

Credit cards have become ubiquitous. For most people, they are a common method of paying for purchases. There are certainly no biblical prohibitions against the use of credit cards.

Is it a sin to live in 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 to break the spirit of debt?

Blue is a financial adviser and he provided seven principles for breaking free from debt:
  1. Determine where you are. Take out the adding machine and add up what you owe, on everything! ...
  2. Ask for forgiveness. ...
  3. Give thanks. ...
  4. Put a freeze on borrowing. ...
  5. Make a repayment plan. ...
  6. Be accountable. ...
  7. Reward yourself.

Is debt paid by Jesus?

All of us have a spiritual debt we cannot pay, but the Bible tells us God has paid our debt! He canceled the payment due for our sins and instead accepted the payment His Son Jesus provided when He died on the cross (Colossians 2:14). God grants this freedom to all who choose to follow Jesus (Colossians 2:13).

What is the top 1 sin?

They are typically ordered as: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.

What are the three unforgivable sins?

With this declaration, Alma identified for Corianton the three most abominable sins in the sight of God: (1) denying the Holy Ghost, (2) shedding innocent blood, and (3) committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost as abominable sins.

What is God's biggest sin?

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 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.

Will God only forgive 77 times?

For Jesus to say “77,” then, would be to exaggerate this standard of perfection – a metaphorical way of saying “forgive until you reach perfect perfection.” In essence, Jesus was saying “forgive to infinity.” Jesus' reference to 77 also brings to mind the words of Lamech in Genesis 4:23-24 – a ruthless man who lived ...

How long until debt is forgiven?

Some debts, though, such as federal student loans don't have a statute of limitations. 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.