Scripture discusses money with authority, wisdom, and clarity. Money has always been an element of human existence. The idea of debt—borrowing and owing money—is one of the most delicate topics in financial life. The Bible verses about owing money offers explicit guidance on how to handle debt with accountability, honesty, and faith, even though loans may occasionally feel like an inevitable requirement during particular life stages. Believers can manage their money in a way that praises God and stays clear of the damaging pitfalls of financial bondage by knowing what God says about debt.
Debt can quickly become a burdensome burden that robs us of our independence and tranquility. The proverb “the borrower is servant to the lender” serves as a reminder that financial commitments are not only material deals but also spiritual ones. Believers run the risk of disgracefully handling debt, betraying trust, and experiencing needless hardship. Scripture does not, however, abandon us without direction. God provides us with helpful guidance, assurances of provision, and reminders that He is ultimately the source of everything we require.
The Bible verses about owing money exhorts us to be diligent in paying back our debts, cautions against taking advantage of other people financially, and promotes generosity as a counterbalance to greed. While it does not categorically denounce borrowing, it does draw attention to the risks associated with reckless financial behavior. God teaches that our financial transactions reveal the condition of our hearts and urges His people to be truthful, equitable, and accountable. In addition to loving our neighbors, we also have a duty to treat them fairly when it comes to loans and debt.
This compilation of thirty potent Bible scriptures regarding debt will help you comprehend God’s viewpoint on debt and financial accountability. Whether it’s a reminder of God’s provision, a call to integrity, or a caution against reckless borrowing, every verse displays eternal wisdom. You can discover support for your financial path, develop spiritual clarity, and make financial decisions that are in line with God’s plan by reflecting on these verses. Let these verses serve as a reminder that living in accordance with God’s Word, rather than acquiring wealth or material belongings, is the path to true freedom.
30 Most Effective Bible Verses About Owing Money in 2025
1. Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse highlights one of the clearest truths about debt in the Bible: borrowing creates a form of bondage. Financial obligations can control a person’s decisions, limit freedom, and weigh down the heart. God does not want His children enslaved to debt but free to serve Him without restraint. This verse is a sobering reminder to approach borrowing with extreme caution, knowing that debt always carries consequences.
2. Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Paul urges believers to live with integrity by paying what they owe. Financial debt should not be lingering or neglected. However, Paul also highlights that the only “debt” Christians should continually carry is the debt of love—an obligation that never ends. This verse shows that love is the highest fulfillment of God’s law, greater than any financial transaction.
3. Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse contrasts two kinds of people: the unrighteous who borrow carelessly and neglect repayment, and the righteous who live generously. Godly living requires honesty and responsibility in handling borrowed money. At the same time, it elevates generosity as a higher calling, reminding us that financial stewardship is not just about avoiding debt, but also about blessing others.
4. Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus teaches generosity even when it comes to lending. While wisdom should guide our decisions, this verse emphasizes the heart posture of willingness to help others in need. God calls His people to reflect His compassion and provision through open-handedness, not stinginess. Lending should not be an opportunity for exploitation, but an act of love.
5. Deuteronomy 15:6
“For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”
Here, God speaks to Israel about His blessings. His desire was for His people to be lenders, not borrowers—living in abundance and not financial bondage. This verse demonstrates that God’s favor leads to freedom and provision. For believers today, it is a reminder that trusting in God’s blessings keeps us from becoming overly dependent on debt.
6. Deuteronomy 28:12
“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”
This verse echoes God’s promise of provision. Obedience to Him leads to abundance where His people become lenders, not borrowers. The imagery of open heavens signifies unending supply directly from God, ensuring that His children walk in financial stability and blessing. Debt is minimized when reliance is placed on God’s provision rather than man-made solutions.
7. Nehemiah 5:3-5
“Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews…we have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. Although we are the same, we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery.”
Here, Nehemiah confronts the painful reality of financial oppression. The people had been forced into borrowing that enslaved them and their families. This illustrates how debt can not only affect individuals but also future generations. It is a warning against unjust systems and an encouragement to pursue fairness, justice, and compassion in financial dealings.
8. Proverbs 3:27-28
“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 proverb speaks directly to financial integrity. When you owe someone, repay them promptly. Delaying payment, when you have the ability to repay, is a form of dishonesty. God values timely integrity in handling obligations, whether in money or other forms of responsibility.
9. Proverbs 11:15
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.”
This verse warns against unwise financial commitments, such as co-signing a loan without discernment. Being responsible for another’s debt can lead to unnecessary hardship. God calls His people to exercise wisdom and caution in financial dealings, ensuring that generosity does not turn into reckless decisions that harm one’s own household.
10. Proverbs 17:18
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
Similar to Proverbs 11:15, this passage stresses the foolishness of hastily entering financial agreements. While helping others is encouraged, binding oneself irresponsibly to another’s financial obligations often leads to regret. The Bible teaches balance—be generous, but also be wise.
11. Ecclesiastes 5:5
“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
Debt is a form of financial vow—a promise to repay. This verse warns against making commitments we cannot keep. God values honesty and expects His people to follow through with their words. Entering into debt lightly is dangerous because failing to repay brings dishonor both to the individual and to God.
12. Matthew 18:27-28
“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.”
Jesus tells this parable to illustrate forgiveness. While it speaks spiritually of God forgiving our sins (a debt we could never repay), it also highlights human hypocrisy in demanding repayment without compassion. The lesson is twofold: honor your debts, but also extend mercy when others struggle to repay.
13. Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
Jesus elevates lending beyond financial transaction into an act of love. Lending without expectation reflects God’s own generosity toward us. While this doesn’t mean reckless lending, it does mean that a believer’s heart posture should lean toward compassion, kindness, and grace—especially when lending to the needy.
14. Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.”
God commands Israel to treat lending as an act of mercy, not an opportunity for exploitation. Charging excessive interest to the poor only deepens their burden. This principle still applies today: financial help should come with compassion, not as a means to profit from someone’s hardship.
15. Leviticus 25:35-36
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them…Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you.”
Here, God reinforces His heart for the poor. Lending should never become a tool of oppression. Instead, it should reflect God’s justice and compassion. This verse teaches that how we handle money toward others is deeply spiritual—it reveals whether we truly fear and honor God.
16. Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse shows that unjust financial gain will not last. Wealth accumulated through exploiting the poor will eventually be transferred into the hands of the righteous. God ensures justice, even in financial matters, and warns against profiting from others’ suffering.
17. Jeremiah 22:13
“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor.”
This verse condemns financial oppression. Failing to pay what is owed, whether wages or debts, is unjust in God’s eyes. He calls His people to fairness and accountability. This is a warning to employers, lenders, and borrowers alike: God sees how we handle money and rewards or punishes accordingly.
18. Ezekiel 18:13
“He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he is to be put to death; his blood will be on his own head.”
In Old Testament law, predatory lending was considered a grave sin. Exploiting the needy through high-interest loans was so detestable that it carried a death penalty. Though we are under grace today, this passage highlights how seriously God views financial oppression and unfair treatment in lending.
19. Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Jesus teaches that money is a test of stewardship. If we cannot handle financial matters responsibly—including debt and repayment—how can God entrust us with greater spiritual blessings? Debt management, integrity, and generosity are all tied to our faithfulness before God.
20. Proverbs 6:1-2
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.”
This passage warns about impulsive financial commitments. Words spoken in agreements are binding, and God expects them to be honored. Careless promises about money can quickly become traps. This is a reminder to think carefully before entering into debt or pledging on behalf of others.
21. Proverbs 6:4-5
“Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
This vivid imagery urges urgency in escaping financial entanglements. Debt is compared to a trap set by a hunter—it restricts and endangers. Just as a gazelle or bird frantically seeks freedom, believers are called to work diligently and intentionally to repay what they owe, freeing themselves from financial bondage.
22. Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
Financial wisdom is linked to diligence and foresight. Like ants preparing for future needs, believers are encouraged to live with discipline, saving and planning rather than carelessly falling into debt. This principle shows that avoiding unnecessary borrowing begins with cultivating responsibility and foresight.
23. Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Quick fixes and dishonest gains lead to financial ruin, while steady, patient stewardship brings stability. Debt often arises from a desire for instant gratification. This verse reminds us that God blesses those who work faithfully and handle resources carefully, rather than chasing shortcuts.
24. Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Rushed decisions often lead to debt, while careful planning produces long-term success. God values diligence and self-control in financial choices. This verse challenges believers to be thoughtful in borrowing, spending, and lending, recognizing that haste often results in regret.
25. Proverbs 27:23-24
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
This wisdom teaches financial stewardship and accountability. Just as shepherds track their flocks, believers must monitor their resources. Debt can arise when we fail to manage what God has entrusted. Careful oversight prevents waste, ensures provision, and honors God.
26. Habakkuk 2:6-7
“Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on? Will not your creditors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their prey.”
Habakkuk warns against unjust wealth and debt practices. Those who exploit others financially will eventually face judgment. The imagery of creditors rising to demand repayment illustrates how debt brings eventual accountability. God sees and acts against injustice in financial matters.
27. Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
One of God’s promises for provision is connected to obedience in giving. Trusting God with tithes acknowledges Him as the true provider. When believers honor Him first, He ensures their needs are met, reducing dependence on debt. This verse encourages reliance on God’s abundance over financial shortcuts.
28. Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
Jesus uses financial wisdom to illustrate discipleship, but the principle applies broadly: count the cost before committing. Entering into debt without calculating repayment ability is reckless. This verse encourages foresight and planning in both spiritual and financial matters.
29. James 5:4
“Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”
Failing to pay what is owed—whether wages, debts, or obligations—is an offense that God hears. This verse warns against financial negligence and exploitation. God defends the vulnerable and holds accountable those who withhold payment unjustly.
30. Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
This final verse is a reassurance to all who fear financial struggles. God promises provision, not necessarily abundance of luxuries, but sufficiency for every need. When debt feels overwhelming, this verse reminds believers that God is faithful to provide resources, wisdom, and peace for financial freedom.
Conclusion
The Bible deals with debt in a straightforward and sensible manner. Debt is portrayed as a burden that needs to be handled with integrity and discernment rather than as a clear sin. Scripture constantly urges us to be financially responsible, from Paul’s advice in Romans that we must allow no debt to remain unpaid to Proverbs’ caution about the bondage of debt. We agree to repaying God when we take out a loan, and God expects us to keep our word.
However, the Bible offers us answers based on God’s nature in addition to warning us against the perils of debt. He encourages us to be giving by encouraging us to lend without taking advantage of others and with compassion. He exhorts us to live frugally, prepare ahead, and have faith in Him as our ultimate provider. Both Old and New Testament passages demonstrate a balance between mercy and accountability: show faithfulness in repaying debts while also showing kindness to those in need. God, who pardoned our biggest debt via Christ Jesus, is reflected in this balance.
In the end, having debt serves as a reminder of our higher spiritual truth. The body may be burdened by financial debt, but the soul is more burdened by sin. God urges us to diligently fulfill our earthly responsibilities, but He also guides us to the cross, where Christ permanently erased the cost of sin. Financial stewardship for believers is about expressing God’s nature in honesty, generosity, and trust, not merely about figures and repayment plans. We can live freely, stay out of financial servitude, and use our wealth to help others and exalt God by putting biblical wisdom into practice.
