{"id":50347,"date":"2024-02-19T10:18:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T07:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=50347"},"modified":"2025-06-13T17:08:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T14:08:32","slug":"can-born-again-christians-take-loans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2024\/02\/19\/can-born-again-christians-take-loans\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Born-Again Christians Take Loans?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is it right for a Christian to borrow money\u2014from a bank or another person? And if so, how do we understand verses like Deuteronomy 15:6<\/strong>, which says, \u201cyou shall lend to many nations but shall not borrow\u201d?<\/em><\/p>\n

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Answer:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s begin by looking at the Scripture:<\/p>\n

Deuteronomy 15:6\u00a0<\/strong>
\n\u201cFor the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This verse is not a command forbidding borrowing<\/strong>, but rather a promise of blessing. It describes an ideal situation where God’s people live in such abundance and divine favor that they no longer need to borrow\u2014but instead become lenders and leaders<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To understand this better, we need to explore two common reasons why people borrow<\/strong>\u2014and what Scripture and theology say about each.<\/p>\n

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1. Borrowing Out of Crisis or Necessity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This type of borrowing happens when someone is facing hardship\u2014like loss of income, medical emergencies, or lack of basic needs. In such times, a person may borrow to survive.<\/p>\n

The principle in Deuteronomy 15:6<\/strong> reminds us that when we walk in obedience, God becomes our Jehovah Jireh\u2014our Provider (Genesis 22:14)<\/strong>. He does not desire for His children to live in continual financial distress. As Psalm 37:25 <\/strong>\u00a0says:<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, if a believer is constantly borrowing just to get by, it may be time to pause and ask God for help and guidance. This could be a spiritual call to grow in stewardship, faith, and trust in God’s provision.<\/p>\n

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2. Borrowing for Growth, Investment, or Expansion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is very different. It\u2019s when someone borrows not because of a crisis<\/strong>, but to strategically expand<\/strong>\u2014perhaps in business, ministry projects, or investments.<\/p>\n

Scripture does not condemn this kind of borrowing<\/strong>. In fact, even the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:27 <\/strong>\u00a0implies that investing money with banks for gain is a valid idea:<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Borrowing for growth, when done wisely and responsibly, reflects good stewardship. It\u2019s no different than planting seeds expecting a harvest. Many wealthy people\u2014including Christians\u2014use credit or financing not out of lack, but as a tool for multiplication<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What matters is the motive, the stewardship, and the trust placed in God\u2014not the financial instrument itself.<\/p>\n

The Bible does not explicitly prohibit borrowing<\/strong>, but it gives strong warnings<\/strong> about debt. For example:<\/p>\n

Proverbs 22:7\u00a0<\/strong>
\n\u201cThe rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This verse cautions us that debt can lead to bondage or dependence. That\u2019s why Christians are encouraged to be wise<\/strong>, disciplined<\/strong>, and to seek God’s counsel before taking loans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the heart of the Gospel is freedom\u2014spiritual and practical<\/strong>. Jesus came to \u201cproclaim liberty to the captives\u201d (Luke 4:18). A Christian should not live in financial bondage<\/strong>, but also should not fear using financial tools when they are used in wisdom and for God-honoring purposes.<\/p>\n

So, are Christians allowed to borrow? Yes<\/strong>, but with wisdom and the right heart.<\/p>\n