From the Old Testament to the New Testament, there are numerous verses that provide guidance about the proper management and moral aspects of credit, debt, and loans. Understanding Bible teachings on this topic can be a valuable tool for individuals in navigating many financial and ethical dilemmas.
Why Credit Matters in Biblical Teachings
The Bible provides numerous teachings about credit and related concepts such as interest, debt, and borrowing. These principles were not just relevant to the socio-economic conditions of the time, but remain significant in our modern financial practices. They present insights regarding responsible money management, integrity in financial dealings, and the spiritual implications of debt. For instance, due to the inherent risk of enslavement to debt, Bible encourages avoiding it when possible, especially when it incurs high-interest rates and harsh penalties for non-payment.
Who Should We Trust in Credit-Lending Relationships?
Trust is an essential part of any lending situation and the Bible emphasizes this. Lenders are advised to exhibit compassion and fairness, and borrowers are encouraged to repay debt in a timely and honorable manner. Hence, in a credit-lending context, the Bible advises a mutual trust system where borrowers honor their commitments, and lenders work with integrity and avoid exploiting those in need.
What Bible teaches about Charging Interest on Loans?
The Bible offers clear teachings about lending and interest, especially concerning neighbors and the less fortunate. While lending itself is not condemned, charging excessive interest, particularly from the poor, is looked down upon. The emphasis is on interpersonal relations and ethics over financial gain, urging lenders to be considerate to those less fortunate and avoid using their need as a means to enrich themselves.
Where Do Morals Intersect with Credit?
Bible’s teachings on credit highlight the crucial role of morality and ethics in handling financial matters. The guidelines extend beyond mere financial transactions to also reflect upon how they influence our relationships with others. Kindness, fairness in dealings, integrity and generosity are all elements of character that intersect with credit according to the Bible.
When Repayment is Impossible: Biblical Perspectives
For situations when repayment becomes impossible, such as in cases of extreme poverty or unforeseen circumstances, the Bible advises leniency and possibly even debt cancellation. In no way should the borrower be subjected to harsh or exploitative measures due to their inability to repay. This perspective highlights the compassionate and forgiving heart the Bible promotes in dealing with others, particularly those in distress.
Below is our full list of bible verses on credit (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Credit
Proverbs 22:7
“7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Luke 14:28
“28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
Related Themes: Money Finances Frustration
Luke 16:11
“11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Related Themes: Money Finances Stewardship Finances Wealth
Proverbs 13:22
“22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Children Inheritance Grandparents
Proverbs 21:20
“20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Business Wisdom Stewardship
Romans 13:8
“8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Psalm 37:21
“21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
Proverbs 22:1
“1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Related Themes: Reputation Money Business Finances Reputation
Deuteronomy 28:12
“12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.”
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 13:7
“7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Related Themes: Money Respecting Your Parents Business Money Finances
