Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Paying Debts?
12 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Paying Debts in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about paying debts. This collection of 13 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Paying Debts
- 1Deuteronomy 28:12
“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.”
KJV - 2Psalms 37:21
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
KJV - 3Proverbs 17:18
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. understanding: Heb. heart”
KJV - 4Proverbs 22:7
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender . the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth”
KJV - 5Proverbs 22:26
“Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.”
KJV - 6Ecclesiastes 5:5
“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
KJV - 7Matthew 5:42
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
KJV - 8Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
KJV - 9Romans 13:5
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
KJV - 10Romans 13:7
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Paying Debts? (6 Verses)
“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.”
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. understanding: Heb. heart”
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender . the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth”
“Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.”
“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Paying Debts? (6 Verses)
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Paying Debts
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about paying debts. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about paying debts and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about paying debts is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on paying debts needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about paying debts with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about paying debts, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Paying Debts?
You have studied 12 verses about paying debts. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.