Bank loans are already commonplace in today’s financial environment, whether for emergencies, property purchases, or financing schooling. However, what does the Bible teach about borrowing money or taking on debt? Examining Bible verses about bank loans can provide Christians looking for spiritual guidance with clarity, direction, and peace of mind before they sign a loan contract.
Scripture doesn’t hold back when discussing money-related topics, such as the obligations and spiritual ramifications of debt. We’ll highlight important verses in this guide to assist believers in making faith-based borrowing decisions.
What the Bible Teaches About Borrowing Money and Debt
The Bible offers strong caution and spiritual instruction on borrowing, even though it does not specifically condemn it. When it comes to taking on debt, Scripture constantly exhorts discernment, accountability, and honesty. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender,” according to Proverbs 22:7, warning believers that debt can result in permanent responsibilities and a loss of freedom.
God’s Word places more emphasis on stewardship (Luke 14:28), contentment (Hebrews 13:5), and seeking God’s supply through prayer and trust (Philippians 4:19) than it does on careless borrowing. In the end, borrowing should never take the place of living within one’s means or putting one’s faith in God for financial needs.
How to Apply Biblical Wisdom When Taking Loans from Banks
Applying biblical wisdom to borrowing entails taking a responsible, thoughtful, and prayerful approach to lending. Believers are urged to consider the cost, assess the necessity, and make sure repayment is feasible without jeopardizing their financial integrity before taking out a loan (Luke 14:28). According to Proverbs 3:5–6, you should put all of your faith in the Lord and ask Him for guidance in all of your decisions, including financial ones.
A Christ-centered attitude to banking is demonstrated by refraining from rash borrowing, attentively understanding all terms, and being truthful in financial transactions (Romans 13:7-8). Always ask God for direction; if there isn’t any serenity or clarity, it can be an indication to hold off or look for other answers.
Bible Verses about Borrowing
Here is a list of Bible Verses about Borrowing, along with the scriptures, to help guide financial decisions with spiritual wisdom:
Isaiah 24:2 (NIV)
“…It will be the same for priest as for people, for the master as for his servant, for the seller as for the buyer, for the borrower as for the lender…”
Reminds us of the equality of all in God’s judgment, regardless of financial status.
Nehemiah 10:31 (NIV)
“Every seventh year, we will forego working the land and will cancel all debts.”
Reflects a system built on mercy and rest, even in financial systems.
Luke 6:34-35 (NIV)
“If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?… But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
Teaches selfless lending rooted in love, not profit.
Exodus 22:25 (NIV)
“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.”
Emphasizes mercy and fairness in lending, especially to the poor.
Psalm 112:5 (NIV)
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
A promise of blessing for generous, fair lenders.
Job 24:9 (NIV)
“The fatherless child is snatched from the breast; the infant of the poor is seized for a debt.”
Highlights injustice related to debt and the vulnerable.
Proverbs 28:8 (NIV)
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
Warns that unjust wealth will ultimately transfer to the righteous.
Proverbs 17:18 (NIV)
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
A strong warning against impulsive financial decisions or co-signing without discernment.
Leviticus 25:35-37 (NIV)
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them… so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them…”
Encourages compassion and support over profit-driven lending.
2 Kings 4:1 (NIV)
“The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out… ‘My husband is dead… but now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.’”
Illustrates the danger of debt and how it can affect family and future generations.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2 (NIV)
“At the end of every seven years, you must cancel debts…”
Reveals God’s heart for economic reset and relief from long-term indebtedness.
Matthew 6:12 (KJV)
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
A spiritual reminder to extend and receive grace in all forms, including financial.
Ezekiel 18:7-9 (NIV)
“He does not oppress anyone but returns what he took in pledge for a loan… He follows my decrees… He is righteous.”
Describes righteousness as including fair and just financial dealings.
Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NIV)
“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
A broader principle applicable to taking loans—commit only to what you can honor.
Proverbs 6:1-5 (NIV)
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor… free yourself…”
A call to act quickly if you’ve made risky or foolish financial commitments.
Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
A strong reminder of the power dynamics in debt and a caution to borrow responsibly.
Romans 13:8 (NIV)
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Encourages believers to live free of financial debt while focusing on the debt of love.
Psalm 37:21 (NIV)
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
Highlights the importance of repaying what one owes and being generous.
Deuteronomy 28:12 (ESV)
“The Lord will open to you his good treasury… And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.”
A blessing of abundance where borrowing is unnecessary—linked to obedience and favor.
Luke 14:28 (NIV)
“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?”
Teaches financial planning and wise decision-making before incurring expenses.
Matthew 5:42 (ESV)
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Encourages generosity and compassion even to those who borrow.
Proverbs 3:27-28 (NIV)
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due… Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’—when you already have it with you.”
Promotes timely financial responsibility and fulfilling obligations.
Exodus 22:14 (NIV)
“If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies… they must make restitution.”
A principle of responsibility and accountability in all types of borrowing.
Nehemiah 5:3-5 (NIV)
“We are mortgaging our fields… We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax…”
A historical glimpse of how borrowing can cause hardship, prompting the need for reform and justice.
Proverbs 11:15 (NIV)
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.”
Warns against co-signing or guaranteeing loans without wisdom.
Summary
The ageless lessons found in the Bible about lending, borrowing, and debt management are still applicable today, particularly when negotiating contemporary financial systems like bank loans. These texts constantly warn against taking on too much debt, support prudent management, and advocate for justice, kindness, and honesty in financial transactions.
According to God’s Word, we should constantly keep our financial commitments (Psalm 37:21), borrow wisely, and refrain from becoming slaves to our lenders (Proverbs 22:7). In addition, it exhorts lenders to treat the weak and impoverished with fairness and compassion (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37). The Bible stresses prudent planning, deliberate decision-making, and relying on God’s provision above financial fast fixes, even while borrowing is not intrinsically evil.
