Debt has come to be very common in the United States. It is rare to find someone that does not have debt (school, house, care, or credit card). Why has this become so common? Whether it was out of necessity or just trying to keep up with the Joneses, we must go back and see how God’s view of debt should adjust how we live and spend.

What the Bible says about debt

Here are several verses to help you try to grasp the bigger picture of what God thinks about debt but, even more so, living in a manner worthy of honoring God.

Proverbs on Debt

• Prov. 11:15 – Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
• Prov. 17:18 – One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.
• Prov. 22:7 – The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
• Prov. 22:26-27 – Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
• Prov. 27:13 – Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
• Prov. 28:25 – A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

Other Verses on Debt

• Rom. 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.
• Rom. 13:8 – Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
• Ps. 37:21 – The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help us understand who we are in you and how we live affects who we are and can dishonor or honor you greatly. Help us learn to be wise like Solomon and take care of the things you entrusted us. Teach us what a Godly life should look like. Thank you! Amen.