Some Biblical financial wisdom for all people (not just Christians)

Ricky Ketchum

Mar 16, 2026

Pay on Time

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Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it,” when you have it with you at the time.

Proverbs 3:28 (NET)

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This is a more tactical verse.

In fact, it’s good wisdom for anyone, not just Christians.

If you owe someone money, and you have it available, pay your debt on time.

I mean, what even is the advantage of waiting a day to pay the person when you have the money in hand?

Are you looking to make 1 more day of interest?

That’s ridiculous.

Just pay up, be done with the debt, and move on with your day.

I share this, not because I’m perfect at doing it, but because it stands out as wise.

Plus, who among us likes to wait around for our pay?

Nobody.

It’s crazy how much time and energy people have to spend in order to collect money they are owed for a job they did. Just the other day I watched a video of a plumber calling up a customer who still hadn’t paid here invoice after a water heater installation.

I felt bad for the guy, wasting his time on a call like that.

Instead of working on his next job, solving an issue for someone, he was stuck in his van calling her up, resending the invoice via email, and dealing with her excuses.

I don’t want to be that kind of customer -- or that kind of person.

I want to be a man who honors my debts, pays on time, and is a joy to work for.

This verse is a good, practical reminder of how to handle our debts.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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