Debt
What does the Bible say about debt and borrowing?
Ads tell us to buy now and pay later, and that smart people use other people’s money. The Bible says something different: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). God wants us free to serve Him, not a lender.
In these one-minute Financial Moments videos, Tom Copland explains what Scripture says about borrowing, how to decide before you borrow, and practical steps to get out of debt. Watch one, or work through the whole series.
The borrower is slave to the lender
Why does God warn that the borrower becomes a servant? Because when debts can’t be paid, the results are real: tension between husband and wife, a calling to ministry put on hold, sleepless nights and health problems. God wants us free to serve Him, not a lender.
Also in this series: Bob & Joan – A Typical Real-Life Case Study
Is it a sin to borrow?
No. But Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.” Jesus told us to let our light shine before others (Matthew 5:16), so paying our debts on time is part of a Christian’s testimony.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8).
What the Bible says about debt, in one minute
It is not a sin to borrow, but it is a sin to borrow and not repay. Still, God warns of the dangers of debt, and His pattern throughout Scripture is to meet needs without it. Contentment, prayer, a budget and saving ahead all reduce the pull to borrow.
Borrowing presumes on the future
A loan assumes you will have the income to repay it, but only God knows tomorrow: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14). Spend time in prayer to learn whether it is God’s will before you borrow (Psalm 32:8).
Four questions before you borrow
Have you prayed and given God a chance to provide the cash? Is the purchase a real need (Matthew 6:33)? Do you, and your spouse if you’re married, have God’s peace about it? And have you made a budget to be sure you can afford the payments? A free budget worksheet is available at the bottom of this page.
Consolidating debt treats the symptom
Bill has no budget. He moves his credit card debt onto a line of credit, then onto his mortgage, then into his retirement savings. Restructuring debt doesn’t fix the real problem: spending more than you earn. A budget does.
Seven steps to get out of debt
1. Pray and ask God to direct you (Isaiah 48:17).
2. Study God’s Word on finances.
3. Know your financial facts, not guesses.
4. Make and follow a budget, and use the surplus to pay down debt.
5. Ask God to help you be content.
6. Pay the most expensive debt first, usually credit cards.
7. Depend on the Lord and persevere until you are debt-free.
Contentment means less debt
“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Paul learned to be content in every situation through Christ (Philippians 4:11–13). When eternal things matter more than temporary ones, the urge to borrow and buy fades.
Save instead of borrowing
The world says buy now, pay later. God’s wisdom is to save for future needs (Proverbs 21:20) and to count the cost before you build (Luke 14:28–30). Since God has promised to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19), we can trust Him rather than a credit card.
God doesn’t need a lender
God fed Israel with manna, multiplied a widow’s oil so she could pay her debts (2 Kings 4:1–7), and fed thousands with a few loaves. Tom has seen God provide “little miracles” for people who start managing money His way: unexpected income, a better job, a good deal. Put Him first (Matthew 6:33) and ask before you borrow.
There is hope for your financial mess
“Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Tom’s four steps: ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), study His Word, make a budget, and don’t give up, because His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Key Bible verses about debt and borrowing
Proverbs 22:7 – The borrower is slave to the lender
Romans 13:8 – Let no debt remain outstanding, except the debt to love one another
Psalm 37:21 – The wicked borrow and do not repay
Proverbs 22:26–27 – Do not put up security for another’s debts
James 4:13–15 – You do not know what tomorrow will bring
Luke 14:28–30 – Count the cost before you build
Proverbs 21:20 – The wise save; the foolish spend all they have
1 Timothy 6:6–8 – Godliness with contentment is great gain
Philippians 4:11–13 – I have learned to be content in any situation
Matthew 6:31–33 – Seek first His kingdom, and your needs will be met
Philippians 4:19 – God will meet all your needs
2 Kings 4:1–7 – God provides oil for a widow to pay her debts
Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you
James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously
Keep learning, free of charge
1. Download the free budget worksheet. Know your numbers and start paying down debt.
2. Take the free online course. Sessions 4, 5 and 6 of the 11-session course Financial Management God’s Way cover debt, getting out of debt and budgeting.
3. Join a free small group. Work through the course with others.
4. Download the free workbook. Follow along at your own pace.
5. Get new Financial Moments by email. Join our email list.