What does it mean to borrow money, is it a sin, and what does the bible say about it? we have gathered the best answers to this in this article.
At present it is very common to have access to a loan, from a bank to people who live on usury, the loan is one of the options that most people have today to solve their projects or economic difficulties.
The option of credit for Christians can be very tempting, due to the current need to get things quickly, but you have to be very careful. In this article, we will study what the Bible says about borrowing and lending, so join us in reading.
The Bible does not mention that asking for a loan with interest is a sin, however, the Christian must understand the implications and dangers of this commitment, because the debtor becomes the creditor’s slave (Proverbs 22:7).
Does the Bible forbid borrowing money today?
The Bible reveals several principles in both the Old and New Testaments about borrowing money. And he makes some stern warnings regarding the believer’s handling of finances.
When requesting a loan, the Christian must analyze whether it is really necessary, and not request a loan that he cannot pay. Once the believer has a loan, he must repay what he owes (Romans 13: 7-8).
The Bible does not specifically prohibit a Christian from making a loan, however, the Apostle Paul wrote that the believer should not have debts with anyone, that is, that in case of debt, it is the believer’s obligation to pay all the debt as soon as possible.
Debts are very dangerous for a believer, in fact, the Bible declares that, therefore, the Christian must be aware of this situation and consider borrowing or not. when someone asks for a loan, the debtor is a slave to the creditor until he is released from the debt ( Proverbs 22:7 )
What does the Bible say about borrowing?
The Bible talks about lending money and borrowing, always stressing the importance of caution and wisdom that must be present in this process.
If the debtor (the one who borrows) does not act correctly, he risks getting into great trouble, while the lender may be tempted to engage in oppressive or greedy behavior that the Bible does not approve of.
In Biblical texts, the words “loan,” “lend,” and “borrow” basically mean the same thing as they do today. However, these words convey a clear idea of the responsibility that accompanies the act of borrowing.
In that sense, these words communicate the union or “intertwining” held by the debtor and creditor in a sense of serious commitment.
Thus, according to the Word of God, borrowing or lending to someone implies much more than receiving or giving money, but rather involves the entire personal relationship until the debt is paid.
Does the Bible forbid lending money today?
As followers of Christ, believers must show love to those in need to the extent that their conditions allow.
The Christian is free in the Lord to lend money, however, it should be done primarily out of generosity, and not out of greed to gain some financial advantage under another’s hardship.
King David in Psalm 15 said of men who do God’s will that they “lend money without profit” ( Psalm 15:5 ); that is, Christians who lend money more to support their brothers in Christ, a relative or friend than to receive financial gain.
What were loans like in biblical times?
The Lord from the Old Testament through Moses established various humanitarian laws among which were loans, thus, the people of Israel could make loans under some specific conditions.
For the people of Israel, the loans had to have a non-profit purpose. In other words, the Israelites could lend to the poor and needy, but without any interest on the money lent ( Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 15:10; 23:19 ).
So, the Israelites who lent to the poor only had to wait for the reward of the Lord. Because the Lord says that “To serve the poor is to make a loan to the Lord; God will pay for those good deeds.” ( Proverbs 19:17 ).
On the other hand, when lending money to foreigners, the Lord did not forbid charging interest ( Deuteronomy 15:3; 23:20 ).
On the other hand, in the New Testament, it can be seen that money loans at interest existed within the Jewish and Roman economies. In fact, we can observe that the Lord Jesus Christ even used in several of his parables the idea of lending money with interest ( Matthew 25:27; Luke 19:23 ).
In conclusion, should Christians ask for loans?
Although really most people and Christians today have debts with banks, acquaintances, family, or friends, it is necessary to consider what the Bible teaches about it.
Requesting a loan will depend on your level of trust and dependence on the Lord because the Lord knows all the needs of his children. However, today impatience (fruit of the meat) is one of the feelings that dominate the believer and leads him to make wrong decisions about loans.
If you are thinking of taking a loan, before making the decision you must put your need before the Lord because the Lord is your provider ( Philippians 4:19 ); Regardless of whether the loan is to rent the house, buy a car, buy a house or simply to buy clothes, analyze your ability to pay, but above all analyze if it is God’s will.
Remember, when you take out a loan, you are biblically becoming a slave to your creditor until you pay off the debt; the Lord has called us to freedom, do you want to become a slave?
