The Bible has much to say about finances, including the giving and receiving of loans. As Christians, we are called to exercise wisdom, fairness, and compassion when dealing with money. Loans are sometimes necessary, but Scripture teaches us to be mindful of debt, to avoid taking advantage of others, and to always practice generosity and integrity. Whether you are a lender or a borrower, these Bible verses offer guidance on honoring God through financial dealings, especially when it comes to loans.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Giving Generously
Be Cautious When Borrowing
The Bible doesn’t forbid borrowing but does caution us about its consequences. Debt can create burdens, stress, and even slavery to financial systems. As Christians, we are encouraged to live with wisdom and avoid becoming entangled in financial bondage. Before taking a loan, it’s essential to count the cost, seek counsel, and trust God to provide.
Proverbs 22:7
“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Romans 13:8
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.”
Ecclesiastes 5:5
“It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.”
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.”
Matthew 5:42
“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.”
Be Generous in Lending
Lending to others should be done with compassion and without expecting more in return. The Bible teaches that God blesses those who give freely, especially to those in need. We are called to be generous stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, and to lend as an act of love, not profit.
Deuteronomy 15:8
“Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.”
Luke 6:34-35
“And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit?… Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid.”
Psalm 112:5
“Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.”
Leviticus 25:35-36
“If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and cannot support himself, support him… Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense.”
Proverbs 19:17
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!”
Do Not Charge Excessive Interest
God’s Word strongly discourages charging interest, especially to the poor or vulnerable. Instead, we are urged to lend with grace and understanding. Charging high interest can lead to oppression and is condemned in Scripture. God’s heart is for fairness, compassion, and justice in all financial dealings.
Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would.”
Nehemiah 5:10-11
“I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain. But now let us stop this business of charging interest!”
Proverbs 28:8
“Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.”
Ezekiel 18:8
“He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others.”
Leviticus 25:37
“Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him or make a profit on food you sell him.”
Keep Your Promises and Repay Debts
Integrity is at the heart of the Christian walk, and this includes our financial responsibilities. The Bible emphasizes the importance of paying back what we owe. Failing to repay debts is not only dishonest—it dishonors God and damages our witness to others. Faithfulness in repayment reflects a heart submitted to Christ.
Ecclesiastes 5:4
“When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.”
Romans 13:7
“Give to everyone what you owe them… Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.'”
Psalm 15:4-5
“Those who keep their promises even when it hurts… Such people will stand firm forever.”
2 Kings 4:7
“When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, ‘Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.'”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Worrying about Money
Rely on God, Not Just Credit
While taking loans may sometimes be necessary, our ultimate trust must remain in God—not in credit, lenders, or bank accounts. God is our provider and sustainer, and He invites us to bring our needs to Him. When we rely too much on debt, we risk putting faith in the world’s system rather than God’s faithful provision.
Philippians 4:19
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 6:31-33
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.”
Psalm 37:25
“Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.”
Hebrews 13:5
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do.”
Forgiving Debts and Showing Mercy
Forgiveness and mercy are central to God’s character—and we are called to reflect that in how we treat others financially. The Bible praises those who forgive debts and show compassion, especially to the poor. In a culture of strict repayment, grace stands out. These verses show that God values mercy more than mere legal obligation.
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
Deuteronomy 15:1-2
“At the end of every seventh year you must cancel the debts of everyone who owes you money.”
Luke 7:42
“But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
Matthew 18:27
“Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.”
Proverbs 21:13
“Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.”
Trusting God for Provision Instead of Dependence on Loans
While loans can be a temporary solution, the believer’s ultimate source of provision is God. Relying on loans for survival or abundance without seeking God can lead to spiritual and financial trouble. The Bible encourages us to bring our needs to the Lord, to work diligently, and to wait patiently for His provision. Trusting God for our needs helps us avoid unnecessary debt and live with peace and contentment.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”
Philippians 4:11-12
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”