In his popular radio program and podcast, Dave Ramsey has made a lot of money telling people they shouldn’t have debt. His plan encourages people to go to extreme measures to pay off debt and stay out of debt–including buying used cars and never using credit cards.
While thousands of people have achieved their debt-free goals using his plan, others say it’s foolish or even crazy!
Dave says his plan is based on Biblical principles, but he’s often criticized for his views on money and debt.
Read what the Bible has to say about money and decide for yourself if Dave is right or wrong.
Borrowing Money Makes You a Slave
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
Buying things you want makes you feel free and happy for a while, but if you’re paying for those things with money that isn’t yours, you’ve become a servant.
The Bible isn’t saying you suddenly need to start bowing and curtseying as if you belong on Downton Abbey. Instead, it says that as long as you owe money, you will feel enslaved.
Whatever money you earn never feels like yours, because you owe it to someone else.
The Love of Money Causes All Sorts of Problems
For the love of money is the root of all evil: 1 Timothy 6:10
Money is just paper and bits of metal. On its own, it’s not evil or devious. But when you love it more than anything else, it causes heartbreak, can separate families, and lead to all kinds of evil.
Almost daily we hear of people who have committed a crime motivated by money. Whether it’s a man in a suit who sneaks money from a company account, or a man in a mask who robs a convenience store, money-related evil is all around.
You Can’t Love God and Money
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and [money]. Matthew 6:24
Loving God requires giving Him every part of your life–and that includes finances. You can’t split your loyalty between God and money. Either you love Him, or you love money. There is no middle ground.
Having money is not a sin, but prioritizing it over God goes against the first commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and that is a sin.
Debt Can Cost You Everything
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? Proverbs 22:27
Missed a couple of payments on your house? You’ll end up getting foreclosed. Can’t afford to make pay your car loan? The repo man will be by with his tow truck.
When you can’t make those “easy payments” anymore, you’re in danger of losing your stuff.
But the Bible says that if you don’t owe anything, no one can take away your property.
Love is the Best Debt to Pay
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: Romans 13:8
While the Bible never tells us that debt is wrong or a sin, it says over and over again that it’s a foolish decision that only leads to heartbreak, problems, and loss.
Rather than always trying to get more stuff by borrowing money, we should focus on living generously, loving others, and being content with what we have.
The only good debt according to the Bible is loving others like Christ loved us.
Yes, Christians Should Judge. Here’s Why.
Tired of judgemental Christians? Me too.
But, unfortunately, simply scolding someone online isn’t enough to make all the judgmental haters quit with their biting comments.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, the Bible actually says Christians should judge.
Here’s what the Bible says on the matter, why Christians should judge others (at times), and why you probably should too.
Yes, Christians Should Judge. Here’s Why.
15 Famous Celebrities Who Embrace Christianity Despite Public Scrutiny
The morals and values of celebrities in Hollywood often stand in stark contrast to the Christian faith. Where the Bible says not to be arrogant or put your hope in wealth (1 Tim 6:17), many in Hollywood flaunt their expensive mansions, cars, and wardrobes.
Or when the Bible says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself (Philippians 2:3),” it’s obvious to see how the cut-throat world of Hollywood makes this verse difficult to live out.
Thankfully, there are several celebrities who are successful actors AND followers of Christ. In fact, these men and women use their fame as a way to honor God and give back to others – exactly what the Christian faith is all about.
15 Famous Celebrities Who Embrace Christianity Despite Public Scrutiny
7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits
If you grew up in a conservative Christian household (like I did!), you may have learned that some actions weren’t appropriate for Christians.
For example, I was definitely taught that “you don’t smoke, drink, cuss, gamble, or spend time with those who do.”
Imagine my surprise, then, when — as an adult — I learned that not all Christians find all of these actions (or others) wrong in the slightest!
No matter your personal preference (and I still prefer not to do most of these things myself), here are 7 things the Bible never actually prohibits as sin.
7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits
Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.
