In a world where every store offers you 10% off if you’ll just “open a card,” and financial gurus preach the gospel of a high credit score, it’s easy to think debt is just a normal part of life. But Scripture paints a very different picture—one where freedom, not financial bondage, is the goal.
What the Bible Says About Debt
The Bible isn’t silent on money matters. In fact, it speaks often and clearly about debt:
-
Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
That’s not a suggestion or metaphor. It’s a warning. When we owe money, someone else controls a piece of our life.
-
Romans 13:8 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
The only debt we’re encouraged to carry is love. Everything else is a burden to lay down.
-
Psalm 37:21 – “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
Righteousness is marked not by borrowing more, but by generosity—something that’s much harder to do when debt is swallowing your income.
Why We Should Avoid Debt
Debt is marketed as a tool. They say it helps you get what you want now instead of waiting. But here’s the truth:
-
Debt limits your freedom. You can’t serve God and lenders at the same time. Every monthly payment is a claim on your future.
-
Debt adds stress to marriage and family. Money fights and money problems are among the top causes of divorce.
-
Debt keeps you from giving generously. When your paycheck is already spoken for, there’s nothing left to support ministry, missions, or a neighbor in need.
The Credit Trap
We’re told from a young age that we need to build credit. But who benefits most from that mindset? Credit card companies, not you.
Credit is often just a measure of how good you are at playing the debt game. Think about it:
It’s a hamster wheel that keeps you working for them. The truth is, you can live just fine without a credit score if you live debt-free, pay cash, and avoid unnecessary loans. A person with savings, no debt, and a paid-for car has more financial freedom than someone with a perfect credit score but five active loans.
What About Emergencies or Big Purchases?
That’s where discipline and planning come in. Instead of borrowing for emergencies, build a savings buffer. Instead of putting a vacation or furniture on a credit card, wait and save. That’s called delayed gratification—and it’s something Scripture praises again and again.
God never promised us we’d have everything we want right now—but He did promise to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19).
Final Thoughts: Choose Freedom
The world tells you debt is normal. God’s Word calls us to be different. If we want to follow Christ fully, we can’t be enslaved to lenders, bills, and interest payments. It’s time to get off the debt treadmill and walk in financial freedom.
So next time a store offers you 10% off with a credit card—or a bank offers you “points” for spending more—ask yourself: Is this helping me serve God better, or tying me down further?
Let’s choose the path of wisdom, contentment, and freedom.
