There is a clear difference between the way the world deals with the subject of lending and borrowing and the way the Bible tells us we should behave when we borrow or lend money. God’s word sets a much higher standard for us believers, both on the lending as well as on the borrowing side.

Borrowing: We are told to borrow very modestly and cautiously, always repaying what is owed (Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 3:27-28). The Bible teaches that when money is borrowed there should also be a secure repayment plan.

The Bible does not teach that borrowing money is a sin. However, it discourages debt and clearly warns against its practical and spiritual dangers, thus compelling us to be wise stewards in the way we manage our finances. The basic conclusion is this. If you can avoid debt, avoid it. If you must borrow, borrow wisely with a secure repayment plan, paying it off as aggressively as you are able to, within reason, in your present situation.

Therefore, borrowing money is always a matter of stewardship and good stewardship sometimes makes borrowing a viable option.

Lending: Christians are to lend to one another without interest and are not to engage in lawsuits to recover losses (Deuteronomy 23:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-7).

When we lend, our motives should be pure. When those who borrow from us cannot repay, we should release them from the burden of debt and not hold a grudge. Yes that’s very hard to do, but God’s ways are much different than the world’s ways.

As believers we are admonished to lend to those who are in need, to lend to the poor, without expecting anything in return.  In Luke 6:34 we read: “And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.”

Sharing: Christians should provide for every legitimate need within their own fellowships. This would include funds for illnesses, unemployment, or old age (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). Giving is the hallmark of a person who understands that their wealth is given to them for a greater purpose than self-indulgence.

1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Luke 3:10-11
And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Know this above all else: God is on your side—He’s pulling for you. God’s ways work. Remember, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).

God does want His people set free from every form of bondage, including financial bondage. Only then will we be at our best for others, ourselves, and the Kingdom work we’re here to do!

Based on what I have read and learned from the Scriptures, I assume the following principles:

 1. Our ability to create wealth comes from the Lord only.
 2. Therefore, we have no room to boast about the accumulation of many wealth that we do have.
 3. We are only stewards of the wealth God has given to us, even if we are owners of wealth.
 4. The Lord sends wealth to some and poverty to others (1 Samuel 2:7).
 5. The wealthy have a moral duty to ensure that poverty is eliminated where possible.

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