The Bible speaks frequently about borrowing and lending. Both the Old and New Testaments give clear guidelines, warnings, and principles. The Bible does not forbid borrowing, but it does set boundaries, warnings, and ethical rules for how it should be done.
This article summarizes what the Bible factually states about loans and borrowing.
1. Is Borrowing Allowed in the Bible?
The short answer: Yes, borrowing appears in Scripture and is not forbidden.
The Bible gives instructions on how borrowing should be done, both for the borrower and the lender.
Examples:
- 2 Kings 4:1–7 – A woman is in debt; Elisha helps her and does not condemn borrowing.
- Matthew 5:42 – Jesus says: “…do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
→ Factually: The Bible acknowledges borrowing as something that happens and does not forbid it.
2. Biblical Warnings About Debt
Although borrowing is allowed, the Bible warns strongly about the dangers of debt.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This is not a command but a factual warning: debt creates dependency.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other…”
This verse is primarily about a lifestyle of responsibility, not a strict ban on debt.
→ Factually: The Bible strongly warns against carrying debt that leads to bondage or dependence.
3. Interest (Usury) in the Bible
One of the clearest biblical regulations relates not to borrowing itself, but to charging interest.
a. No Interest Within Israel for the Poor
For loans given to poor Israelites:
- Exodus 22:25 – no interest to the poor.
- Leviticus 25:35–37 – no interest or profit when helping the needy.
- Deuteronomy 23:19–20 – no interest for fellow Israelites; interest allowed to foreigners.
→ Factually:
- Interest-free loans were required within Israel, especially to help the poor.
- The purpose was to protect the vulnerable, not to forbid business profit.
b. The New Testament
The NT gives no explicit command banning interest.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:27), Jesus mentions bank interest as something normal:
“…then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.”
→ Factually: Jesus does not condemn interest; He uses it as a familiar example.
4. Lending as an Act of Mercy
The Bible presents lending as an opportunity to help others.
Psalm 37:26
“He is always generous and lends freely.”
Luke 6:34–35
Jesus teaches lending without expecting anything back, as an expression of love and mercy (in the context of loving enemies).
→ Factually: Lending is viewed positively when done in kindness and compassion.
5. Responsibility of the Borrower
Scripture also places responsibility on the one who borrows.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows and does not repay…”
→ Factually: Failing to repay a loan is clearly condemned in the Bible.
2 Kings 4:1–7
Elisha helps a widow repay her debt — not escape it — showing that borrowed money is meant to be repaid.
6. Summary of Biblical Principles Concerning Loans
A. For the Lender
- Help the poor without interest (Ex. 22:25; Lev. 25:35–37).
- Be kind, generous, and willing to lend (Ps. 37:26; Matt. 5:42).
- Do not oppress people with high interest or crushing debt.
B. For the Borrower
- Borrowing is allowed but dangerous (Prov. 22:7).
- Avoid debt that leads to dependency.
- Be reliable and repay what you owe (Ps. 37:21).
- Act wisely and not beyond your means.
7. Biblical Arguments For and Against Borrowing
AGAINST Borrowing — According to Scripture
- Debt leads to dependency (Proverbs 22:7).
- Not repaying is wrong (Psalm 37:21).
- Paul encourages avoiding unnecessary debt (Romans 13:8).
- Excessive debt may reflect poor stewardship.
FOR Borrowing — According to Scripture
- Borrowing appears normally in the Bible and is never banned.
- Jesus acknowledges borrowing (Matt. 5:42).
- Lending is praised as an act of kindness (Psalm 37:26).
- Business interest is not condemned in the NT (Matt. 25:27).
- Old Testament law regulates lending; it does not forbid it.
8. Factual Conclusion
Based strictly on the Bible:
- Borrowing is not forbidden.
- Debt is strongly warned against, because it creates dependence.
- Interest to the poor within Israel was forbidden, but business interest was permitted.
- Lending is good, especially when done in love and mercy.
- Repayment is required, as part of righteous living.
- For Christians, the key principles are:
- love
- responsibility
- wisdom
- no exploitation
- avoid harmful debt
→ Biblically, borrowing is allowed, but it must be done responsibly, lovingly, and honestly.
Summary
The Bible does not forbid borrowing, but it gives clear guidelines. Borrowing appears in both the Old and New Testaments. At the same time, Scripture warns about the dangers of debt, since debt creates dependency (Proverbs 22:7). Lending is seen as an act of mercy, especially when helping the poor (Psalm 37:26; Matthew 5:42).
Within Israel, it was forbidden to charge interest to the poor, though business interest was allowed (Ex. 22:25; Deut. 23:19–20). The New Testament does not ban interest, and Jesus refers to it as something normal (Matthew 25:27).
Borrowers must repay their debts (Psalm 37:21). Paul encourages believers not to carry unnecessary debt (Romans 13:8).
Conclusion: Borrowing is biblically allowed, but must be done wisely, fairly, and lovingly. The Bible emphasizes: no exploitation, no oppression, and no irresponsible debt.
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