Money and work
What does the Bible say about lending and borrowing?
Scripture encourages generous lending without exploiting the poor, and treats unpaid debts as a matter of integrity.
What Scripture says
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously.”
Exodus 22:25
““If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.”
Luke 6:34-35
“If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.”
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”
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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.