Money and work
What does the Bible say about debt?
Scripture warns that the borrower is servant to the lender, and urges us to repay what we owe rather than treating debt as normal.
What Scripture says
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously.”
Proverbs 22:26-27
“Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.