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what does the bible say about debt?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Proverbs 22:7

“The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”

This proverb is part of the book of Proverbs, a collection of ancient wisdom literature primarily attributed to King Solomon (around 10th century BCE). These sayings often highlight observations about life, practical advice, and moral instruction, presenting concise truths about how the world works, often from a perspective that emphasizes consequences and the fear of the Lord.

How does understanding the power dynamics of lending and borrowing shape how we approach personal and societal financial decisions?

Then — the setting

The book of Proverbs, written primarily in ancient Israel, reflects a society where economic stratification was a reality. While the Law of Moses included provisions to prevent extreme poverty and debt slavery (like the Sabbath year debt release), these ideals were not always perfectly upheld. Debt often arose from crop failure, illness, or necessary expenses, and without modern banking, loans were often personal and could easily lead to a cycle of dependence. This proverb identifies an observable social reality: economic power translates into social power, and those who owe are inherently in a position of vulnerability relative to those who lend.

Across the Testaments

This proverb in the Old Testament describes a practical reality of the ancient world regarding economic power and vulnerability. While the Old Testament Law (e.g., in Deuteronomy) often sought to mitigate the harshness of debt and prevent perpetual servitude through practices like the sabbatical year debt release, it acknowledged the power imbalance. The New Testament, particularly in Jesus' teachings and the Epistles, often expands on these economic themes by emphasizing generosity, care for the poor, and the dangers of greed, without directly overturning the observation of Proverbs 22:7. Romans 13:8, for example, urges Christians to 'owe no one anything, except to love one another,' suggesting a similar caution against debt while reorienting the primary 'debt' to spiritual and relational terms. The New Testament doesn't eliminate the reality of debt but reframes how believers should relate to wealth and their responsibilities to others.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 15:1-2
This law commanded the cancellation of debts every seven years, aiming to prevent perpetual poverty among Israelites.
Matthew 6:12
Jesus teaches his disciples to pray for forgiveness of debts, using the concept of debt metaphorically for sins, but also reflecting the reality of debt in daily life.
Romans 13:8
Paul instructs believers to 'owe no one anything, except to love one another,' highlighting love as the only perpetual debt.

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