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The Bible does not forbid debt outright, but it consistently warns against the dangers of borrowing and calls believers to financial wisdom and integrity. Proverbs 22:7 observes that 'the borrower is slave to the lender' — a principle as relevant today as in ancient Israel. Scripture calls Christians to honor their obligations (Romans 13:8), avoid surety (co-signing recklessly, Proverbs 11:15), and pursue the freedom that comes from living within God's provision. Debt is a tool that can serve or enslave; Scripture urges caution, contentment, and generosity over accumulation.
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
"Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe."
"For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you."
"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously."
The Bible does not call debt itself a sin, but it strongly warns against it. Proverbs 22:7 says the borrower becomes 'slave to the lender.' Romans 13:8 urges believers to 'let no debt remain outstanding.' The consistent biblical principle is that debt reduces freedom and should be avoided or minimized through wise stewardship.
Psalm 37:21 draws a moral line: 'The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.' Romans 13:8 commands Christians to honor their financial obligations. Failing to repay what you owe is treated as a matter of integrity and character, not merely a financial issue.
Yes. Deuteronomy 15:1–2 established a Sabbath Year in Israel where debts were cancelled every seven years. Jesus echoed this spirit in the Lord's Prayer ('forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,' Matthew 6:12) and in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21–35), where debt forgiveness illustrates God's grace and our obligation to extend it.