Definition and Context
Financial debt, in biblical terms, refers to the obligation to repay borrowed money or goods. The Bible addresses financial debt in various contexts, offering guidance on lending, borrowing, and the moral implications of financial obligations. Debt is often portrayed as a burden and a form of servitude, emphasizing the importance of financial responsibility and integrity.

Old Testament References
The Old Testament provides several laws and principles regarding debt. In Exodus 22:25, the Israelites are instructed, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command highlights the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings, especially towards the poor.

The concept of the Jubilee, found in Leviticus 25, further illustrates God's provision for debt relief. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land returned to its original owners, symbolizing a fresh start and the restoration of economic balance. This practice underscores the value of mercy and the prevention of perpetual poverty.

New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles address the moral and spiritual dimensions of debt. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His followers to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This verse links financial debt to the broader concept of forgiveness, encouraging believers to extend grace to others as they seek God's forgiveness.

Romans 13:8 advises, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This passage emphasizes the primacy of love over financial obligations, suggesting that the only debt Christians should carry is the ongoing obligation to love others.

Practical Wisdom and Warnings
The Bible offers practical wisdom regarding debt, cautioning against its potential pitfalls. Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb warns of the power dynamics inherent in debt, where the borrower may become subservient to the lender, highlighting the importance of financial independence.

Additionally, Proverbs 6:1-5 advises against rash financial commitments, urging individuals to free themselves from entanglements if they have guaranteed another's debt. This counsel reflects the importance of prudence and careful consideration before entering into financial agreements.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
The Bible encourages ethical behavior in financial matters, advocating for honesty and integrity. Psalm 37:21 notes, "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving." This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing the moral obligation to repay debts and the virtue of generosity.

Furthermore, the Bible calls for fairness and justice in lending practices. Deuteronomy 24:10-13 instructs lenders not to exploit borrowers, particularly the poor, by taking essential items as collateral. This command reflects God's concern for the dignity and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their financial status.

Conclusion
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of financial debt, it consistently promotes principles of compassion, fairness, and responsibility. Believers are encouraged to approach financial obligations with integrity, to extend grace and forgiveness, and to prioritize love and justice in all their dealings.Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
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Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
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Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
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Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
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Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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Proverbs 11:24
There is that scatters, and yet increases; and there is that withholds more than is meet, but it tends to poverty.
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Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase:
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The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ...
... The financial pressure became harder than ever. ... how we might be able, in proportion
to our slender means, to contribute something to lessen the debt on the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the church and.htm

A Corps Commander
... As an example of the financial responsibilities which Kate Lee successfully discharged,
the Brighton ... But awaiting her was a debt of five hundred dollars! ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

Disestablishment
... So enriched was the state that by May, 1811, Connecticut had so far recovered from
her late financial distress that the "state owed no debt and every tax was ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

Things Unknown
... If we were in debt, we should apply to him for financial help, so that we might
be able to meet our liabilities; if we were tried by sickness, we should apply ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/things unknown.htm

part 2
... It is the solution of all financial problems in connection with His work. Where
tithing is practiced there will never be any going into debt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... But the financial disease was too deep-seated to be so easily cured. ... in the Diaconies,
and that now they ran the serious danger of being imprisoned for debt. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Future Plymouth
... This uncertainty brings to view the necessity of permanence of financial basis. ... the
changes that are inevitable, the church is free from debt and is ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/future plymouth.htm

The Economic Challenge to the Church
... that can swing the most votes or can produce the largest financial inducements,
are ... per cent of his official board members on the district were in debt, at the ...
/.../church cooperation in community life/chapter iii the economic challenge.htm

The Mystery of Personality
... "There is not one of us but in some measure is in his debt." ... fortune in possessing
adequate means, in contrast to the deprivation and financial difficulties of ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the mystery of personality.htm

Early Lessons in the Life of Faith
... about this time, when my parents were face to face with a serious financial crisis. ...
fifty dollars of what I would need to be married free of debt, I resolved ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/ii early lessons in the.htm

Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.org

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How transparent should church finances be? | GotQuestions.org

Financial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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