Topical Bible: Not Paying Your Bills

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The topic of financial responsibility, including the obligation to pay one's bills, is addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. Scripture emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and fulfilling one's commitments, which extends to financial obligations.

Biblical Principles of Financial Responsibility

1. Honesty and Integrity: The Bible consistently upholds honesty as a fundamental virtue. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This principle can be applied to financial dealings, suggesting that failing to pay one's bills is akin to using dishonest scales.

2. Repaying Debts: The Bible speaks directly to the issue of repaying debts. 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 with that of the righteous, implying that failing to repay debts is a characteristic of wickedness.

3. Oaths and Vows: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." While this passage specifically addresses vows made to God, the underlying principle of fulfilling one's promises can be extended to financial commitments.

4. Love and Neighborly Conduct: Romans 13:8 instructs, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This verse suggests that financial obligations should be met promptly, as part of loving and ethical conduct towards others.

5. Work and Provision: The Bible encourages diligent work as a means of providing for oneself and one's family. 1 Timothy 5:8 states, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This passage underscores the importance of fulfilling one's financial responsibilities as part of providing for one's household.

Consequences of Not Paying Bills

1. Reputation and Witness: Failing to pay bills can damage one's reputation and Christian witness. Proverbs 22:1 emphasizes, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." Maintaining a good reputation involves honoring financial commitments.

2. Legal and Social Ramifications: In biblical times, failing to pay debts could lead to legal consequences, including servitude. While modern legal systems differ, the principle of facing consequences for financial irresponsibility remains relevant.

3. Spiritual Implications: Neglecting financial obligations can reflect a deeper spiritual issue, such as greed or a lack of trust in God's provision. Matthew 6:24 warns, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Encouragement for Financial Faithfulness

The Bible offers encouragement for those striving to be financially faithful. Philippians 4:19 assures believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This promise encourages trust in God's provision while fulfilling financial responsibilities.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of paying one's bills and fulfilling financial obligations. These principles are rooted in broader biblical teachings on honesty, integrity, and love for one's neighbor.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The First victory for Dissent
... of the scriptural command, "Cast your bread upon ... from the emission of public bills,
was defeated ... suffered deeply on account of not paying presbyterian priests ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

Correspondence of St. Chrysostom with the Bishop of Rome.
... did the laws of the fathers, and paying respect and ... laws; and for ourselves, who
have not been detected ... the benefit of your correspondence, and your love, and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/correspondence of st chrysostom with 2.htm

Starting a Newspaper. An Experience of Mr. John Jones.
... "Not to a work to which they have regularly subscribed ... I only give you the information
for your own government ... to have a great aversion to paying newspaper bills ...
/.../arthur/words for the wise/starting a newspaper an experience.htm

Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in the World.
... "It's no use to waste your time with ... of one thousand dollars, he spent the whole
of his salary, without paying off a ... Experience did not make him much wiser. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/jacob jones or the man.htm

A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace
... What a price you are paying for your mirth"eternal ... is the raging sea." So it is not
your conscience that ... Will God take your word again, and again, and again ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a blast of the trumpet.htm

The Use of Money
... gain, without buying gold too dear, without paying more for ... be an idiosyncrasy, "
a peculiarity in your constitution of ... But this we may not, cannot do, if we ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... Peyton managed every thing, even to paying the bills; and when I offered ... "Not a word
more. The bill's settled, and you needn't trouble your head about it," was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/a fine generous fellow.htm

The Fifth Book
... Your decree burdens us with new debts; at least let this ... It is not at all strange
that our states are being ... the judgment of a just God we are paying what we owe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... suffer yourselves to be molested in your merriment," said ... But Wesley himself did
not assert that these ... writing, relieving the distressed, paying other people's ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... ground such as you would not suffer courts before your own doors ... 'Certainly not,
sir,' said ... that fifty new churches were necessary within the bills of mortality ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm