The Bible provides moral guidance on how people should manage their personal finances, including the act of borrowing. It gives advice on why one should be careful about becoming a borrower and the ethics of lending. Though borrowing itself is not condemned, it was often discouraged due to the potential for negative circumstances.
What the Bible Says About Borrowing
The Bible has multiple verses that discuss borrowing. It advises that one should not go into debt, and if it’s inevitable, it should be repaid quickly. Different books within the Bible expatiate on the importance of keeping your word when you borrow. To the Bible, borrowing is not just a financial transaction, but a moral obligation. Therefore, every borrower must aim to repay their debts in a timely manner. The Bible offers considerable guidance on being responsible with resources, and emphasizes the need for integrity in financial dealings.
Why Borrowing is Discouraged in the Bible
The Bible is not expressly against borrowing, but it does caution against it. One significant mention of borrowing in the Bible suggests one should not borrow more than they can repay. Becoming overly reliant on borrowing can often lead to trouble. It can cause stress and anxiety, potentially leading to a cycle of debt that becomes difficult to break free from. Therefore, the Bible advises becoming self-reliant and living within one’s means whenever possible. The Bible shows that while lending can be an act of kindness, consistent borrowing can lead to damaging circumstances.
When Borrowing is Considered Acceptable in the Bible
The Bible mentions a few acceptable instances of borrowing. It refers to times of immediate need, when there’s no other option but to borrow. In such cases, borrowing is permitted as long as it is done in good faith, and the debtor fully intends to repay. However, even in these scenarios, borrowing is not ideal. Individuals are encouraged to instead rely on faith, hard work, and wise stewardship to meet their needs. The ultimate aim, according to the Bible, is to live a life of financial freedom – being able to lend to others rather than having to borrow.
Who Should be Responsible for Borrowing According to the Bible
The Bible holds the borrower responsible for any debts incurred. Borrowers are urged to honor their obligations, and not make pledges they cannot keep. The Bible encourages people to live with integrity and maintain their good reputation, which includes being trustworthy in all financial dealings. The Bible’s teachings support the idea that those who borrow should do so with full intention to repay, reflecting on the importance of retaining a clear conscience before God and men. Not repaying a loan, aside from potentially causing financial difficulties, is viewed as breaking one’s word, which is serious moral conduct.
Below is our full list of bible verses on borrowing (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Borrowing
Psalm 37:21
“21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
Proverbs 22:7
“7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Matthew 5:42
“42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Benevolence Serving The Poor
Luke 6:30
“30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.”
Related Themes: Giving Respecting Others Kindness
Exodus 22:14
“14 And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.”
Proverbs 22:26-27
“26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?”
Romans 13:8
“8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
