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What Does the Bible Say About Paying Off Debt?

Debt is a reality that many people face, whether due to education, medical bills, starting a business, or simply trying to make ends meet.

However, while debt may be common, it often raises profound questions: Is borrowing inherently wrong? Should I pay back everything? What if I can’t?

These questions matter, not just financially, but spiritually too. The Bible doesn’t ignore this issue. It offers timeless wisdom for anyone navigating the burden of debt.

In this article, you’ll discover what Scripture says about debt, how God views our financial obligations, and what biblical principles can guide your decision-making and daily financial life.

We’ll explore:

If you’ve ever wondered how to honour God with your finances—even when you’re in debt—now is your chance to explore biblical wisdom for financial freedom and spiritual peace.

What the Bible teaches about borrowing and lending

A man thinking about what the Bible has to say about debt.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

The Bible doesn’t condemn borrowing, but it does issue strong cautions.

In the Old Testament, we are warned plainly:

“The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7, NKJV).

This verse doesn’t label debt as sin, but it highlights its consequences. Debt compromises your freedom. When you’re obligated to pay interest or meet a monthly payment, your financial decisions become tethered to your creditors.

Yet borrowing was regulated in biblical Israel. In Deuteronomy 15:1-2, God instructed that debts among the fellow Israelites be canceled every seven years in a “year of release”. This demonstrates God’s compassion for the poor and His desire for restoration, rather than endless bondage.

The key principle here is that the Bible permits lending and borrowing, but always with caution and compassion. The goal is restoration, not control.

Next, let’s explore how the Bible views the moral responsibility of paying what you owe.

Is debt considered a sin in Scripture?

While debt is not inherently sinful, the Bible consistently calls us to responsibility and integrity.

Paul puts it this way:

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8, NKJV).

The Greek root here implies not to leave debts unpaid. The verse ties the concept of owing to the law of love, reminding us that our financial behavior is part of our witness.

Failing to repay debt can be a symptom of deeper spiritual issues, such as greed, irresponsibility, or a lack of faith.

The Psalmist uses even a stronger term, considering it wickedness to fail to repay debts:

“The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives” (Psalm 37:21, NKJV).

So while having a loan isn’t a sin, refusing to pay it or living beyond your means may reflect deeper issues that need correction.

Transitioning from responsibility to hope, let’s look at God’s promises to those in debt.

The importance of paying off what you owe

When you borrow, you make a promise—not just to the lender but also before God.

The Old Testament places a high emphasis on honoring commitments.

In Ecclesiastes, we read:

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—Better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, NKJV).

From a financial standpoint, paying off debt restores freedom. But spiritually, it reflects a heart aligned with God’s character; a God who is always faithful to fulfill His promises.

Every payment you make, no matter how small, is a step of faith and obedience. It’s not just about money. It’s about honouring the Lord with your integrity.

So, how does God meet us in our financial struggles? Let’s see His heart for those in distress.

God’s promises for those in financial distress

The Bible is filled with comfort for the poor and those struggling with debt.

The Bible says,

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6, NKJV).

Even Jesus, in the gospels, had words of encouragement to us:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19, NKJV).

This includes financial bondage.

The Bible reveals a God who releases, not enslaves. He provided manna in the desert, oil for the widow, and multiplication of fish and loaves. He cares about your finances and your future.

But He also invites you to walk by faith, not by credit.

He reminds us to seek Him and let Him take care of our needs:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

What does that mean for your day-to-day? It means trusting biblical principles to guide you out of debt. Let’s explore how.

Practical, Bible-based steps to become debt-free

The Bible doesn’t just describe problems. It gives us principles to walk in freedom.

Here are steps drawn from Scripture to help you break free from debt:

  • Acknowledge the burden (Proverbs 3:5-6): Ask God for direction and wisdom.
  • Budget intentionally (Luke 14:28): “Count the cost” before spending. Make a plan.
  • Cut unnecessary spending (Proverbs 21:17): “He who loves pleasure will become poor.”
  • Avoid acquiring more debt than you can repay without trouble (Proverbs 22:26-27): Make sure you have the means to repay the debt before agreeing to take it on.
  • Pay consistently (Romans 13:7): “Render therefore to all their due…”
  • Be generous as able (2 Corinthians 9:6-7): Generosity breaks the hold of greed.
  • Trust in God’s provision (Philippians 4:19): “My God shall supply all your need.”

Debt recovery takes time, but every wise step forward is a spiritual act of worship. It declares: My trust is not in credit but in Christ.

The debt that really matters

At the end of the day, there’s a debt of love we’ll never fully repay.

Romans 13:8 reminds us to owe nothing to anyone except love.

This doesn’t mean never using credit or loans, but it does mean living in a way where love leads, not loans. Where we borrow carefully, repay faithfully, and trust deeply.

God isn’t interested in your money. He’s interested in you. He offers forgiveness for financial mistakes, strength for wise decisions, and freedom from all forms of bondage, including debt.

Want to learn more?

Explore more Bible-based insights on finances, faith, and freedom by visiting our Finance & Faith Section. You’ll find practical, spiritually grounded content to help you navigate money matters wisely.

Start with these priority reads:

Have thoughts or questions? Share them in the comments below—let’s grow in biblical wisdom together!

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