22 Important Bible Verses About Paying Debt (With Commentary)
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to getting out of debt. It requires hard work, dedication, and knowledge.
Fortunately, the Bible provides us with wise advice on this issue. As debt mounts up, we can draw comfort from verses that tell us how to pay back what we owe and remain free from the burden.
In this post, we will explore verses about honoring debt obligations and the importance of meeting our financial commitments. Let’s dive in and explore Bible verses about paying debt.
Bible Verses About Paying Debt
1. Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being responsible with our financial obligations. When we borrow money and fail to repay it, we become enslaved to the lender, losing our freedom and independence.
2. Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Here, we are reminded that the only debt we should have is the debt of love towards one another. This verse encourages us to prioritize relationships over material possessions and financial obligations.
3. Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
God’s Word teaches us to be people of integrity and righteousness. We should not be like the wicked who borrow but do not repay. Instead, as righteous individuals, we are called to be generous and give back.
4. Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.”
In this passage, Jesus challenges us to let go of the expectation of receiving something in return when we lend to others. True love and generosity go beyond seeking personal gain, and in doing so, we will be greatly rewarded.
5. Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.”
This verse encourages us to fulfill our financial obligations and not withhold what is rightfully owed. When we have the resources to do good and help others, we should not hesitate to do so.
6. Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
While this verse does not directly address financial debt, it teaches us the importance of forgiveness. Just as God forgives us without limit, we should extend the same forgiveness to others, including those who may owe us money.
7. James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Paying debts is a way to show love and care for others. By fulfilling our financial obligations, we are obeying God’s command to take care of those in need and maintain a pure heart before Him.
8. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”
God’s heart for His people is evident in this verse. He instructs us to be compassionate and generous towards those in need. When we have the ability to help a brother in financial distress, we should be willing to lend a hand.
9. Romans 13:7
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
This verse reminds us to meet our financial obligations with diligence and honor. Whether it be taxes, revenue, or any other financial responsibility, we are called to fulfill them punctually and with respect.
10. 1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking care of our family members, including their financial needs. Failing to provide for our own household is viewed as a denial of our faith and a failure to live according to the principles of the Gospel.
11. Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse encourages us to support and help one another in times of need. When someone is burdened by financial debt, we should be willing to come alongside them, offering assistance and support.
12. Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”
In this verse, God instructs His people not to exploit the poor through exorbitant interest rates. When helping those in financial need, we should do so with compassion and without expecting more in return than what was originally lent.
13. Luke 14:28
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
Jesus uses this analogy to teach us the importance of planning and counting the cost before taking on any financial commitment. It is wise to consider our financial resources and abilities before entering into any financial arrangement.
14. Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”
This verse reminds us of the blessings that come upon those who lend generously and who conduct their financial affairs with fairness and integrity. God honors those who use their resources wisely and for the benefit of others.
15. Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
This verse teaches us to honor our financial obligations by abiding by the laws and regulations set by the governing authorities. Paying our debts, including taxes, is an act of obedience to God’s established authorities.
16. Ecclesiastes 5:4
“When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.”
When we make a promise or vow, especially to God, we should fulfill it promptly. This includes financial commitments we may make, such as promises to give or contribute to charitable causes.
17. Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to seek forgiveness for our sins, acknowledging that we have been forgiven by God. Similarly, as recipients of God’s forgiveness, we should extend forgiveness to others, including those who owe us debts.
18. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
While this verse focuses on giving, it speaks to the attitude we should have towards our financial obligations. We should give willingly and cheerfully, not grudgingly or out of compulsion, in order to honor God with our generosity.
19. Nehemiah 5:10-11
“Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.”
This passage speaks to the importance of restitution and fairness in financial matters. Nehemiah addresses the issue of exploitation and commands that all excessive interest and profits be returned to the borrowers.
20. Psalm 37:26
“He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”
This verse speaks of the blessings that come from a generous heart. When we lend with generosity, not only do we bless others, but our own children and future generations will also be blessed as they witness the effects of our generosity.
21. Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Jesus teaches us to have a generous and open heart towards those in need. Although we should exercise discernment and wisdom, we should be willing to lend a helping hand to those who seek our assistance.
22. Psalm 37:25
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”
God promises to take care of His righteous children, ensuring that they will not be left in poverty or need. As we faithfully honor our financial obligations, we can trust in God’s provision and security.
What does the Bible say About Paying Debt?
The Bible addresses the concept of paying debt in several places, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and maintaining integrity in financial matters. While it doesn’t provide specific guidelines for modern financial systems, it does offer principles that can be applied to the concept of debt repayment:
- Honesty and Integrity: The Bible encourages honesty and integrity in all dealings, including financial matters. Proverbs 3:27-28 advises, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you.” This suggests that debts should be repaid promptly and fairly.
- Responsibility: The Bible encourages believers to take responsibility for their actions, including financial obligations. Romans 13:7-8 states, “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. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
- Avoiding Ongoing Debt: While not explicitly condemning borrowing, the Bible advises caution against accumulating excessive debt. Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” This implies that becoming overly indebted can lead to loss of control and freedom.
- Compassion and Forgiveness: The Bible also encourages compassion and forgiveness in financial matters. In the Old Testament, the concept of the Jubilee Year (Leviticus 25) was established to release individuals from their debts every fifty years, promoting economic equity and giving people a fresh start.
- Prioritizing Relationships: The Bible emphasizes that relationships and people are more valuable than money or material possessions. Jesus’ teachings often centered on love, compassion, and forgiveness, suggesting that maintaining healthy relationships is of greater importance than financial matters.
While the Bible doesn’t provide a detailed financial guide for repaying debt within today’s complex financial systems, its principles of honesty, responsibility, compassion, and relationship-building offer a moral framework that can be applied to financial decisions, including the repayment of debts.
