He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wisdom’s Great Gain: Conscientious Indebtedness:
Proverbs 11:15
15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
EXPOSITION:
15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
1. A person who gives security for an stranger shall
be badly scarred as a result.
2. A person who is an enemy of giving security
for another can be trusted.
Several
points need to be mentioned in the context of the above restrictions:
First
of all, we see the need to avoid becoming surety for “a stranger”. Keep in mind, previously, in Proverbs 6:1-5,
we saw that suretyship should be avoided in the case of friends and acquaintances
as well. This helps us to understand
that in ALL situations, becoming a co-signer is a very serious decision that is
never to be taken lightly in any way.
Many
times, people justify becoming a co-signer on the debt of another by describing
it as an act of love and kindness toward the indebted one. However, by refusing to increase indebtedness
by becoming surety is also act of love for others because:
1. It is showing love to the borrower –
By
denying security for debt, we are encouraging the would-be borrower to think twice
about the dangers of indebtedness, and the ramifications that can come from it.
It also makes them consider the
importance of prioritizing their spending habits and discerning between their “wants”
versus “needs”
In
many cases, if a person needs someone else to be a “co-signer” on debt, it is
because the amount of debt he is taking upon himself is too high. By refusing to guarantee their debt, we are
stopping them from taking on excessive debt and risk.
Also,
there are times when the necessity of a co-signer can be avoided by patience, Godly
labor and prioritizing of finances. By
denying security, it is encouraging the would-be borrower to apply these
Scriptural principles to their financial situation.
2. It is showing love to those relying upon us –
If
we co-sign on a debt we are placing added responsibility and financial
requirements upon ourselves. If the
indebted one fails to pay their debt, it falls upon us thereby hurting those who
are relying upon us for the supply of their needs.
3. It is showing love to other Christians around
us –
Wisdom
tells us that it is, in most cases, unwise to enter into debt of any kind (Prov
22:7). By refusing to become a
co-signer, we are setting a good example for everyone that sees us to be very
careful about taking debt upon ourselves and the general use of our finances.
4.
It is showing love to the Lord –
By
avoiding debt, we are keeping our finances “freed up” to support the work of
the Lord being done by His servants. How
often are Christians who are loaded down with indebtedness unable to give
sacrificially to the Lord as they would desire.
Also,
keep in mind, avoiding becoming security for another is an act of obedience
(and therefore an act of love and honor) to the Lord.
All
of these reasons helps us to understand why Solomon then tells us we are to “hate”
becoming a surety.
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and]
becometh surety in the presence of his friend.” (Proverbs 17:18)
“Take his garment that is
surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.” (Proverbs 20:16)
“Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands,
[or] of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he
take away thy bed from under thee?” (Proverbs 22:26-27)
SUMMARY:
In
the above verse we have seen the very important need to take becoming surety
for another a very important decision that in most cases should be
avoided. This decision is to be made
with a prayerful attitude seeking the Lord’s will and remembering the many ways
that refusing to become surety is a declaration of our love for others.
Please
remember, if we find ourselves in a situation of becoming surety for another
Proverbs 6:1-5 gives detailed instructions of what we are to do to remedy the
situation. Please refer to http://wp.me/pU88A-240 for these teachings.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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