What does Proverbs 6:1 teach about the dangers of financial commitments? The Text “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger,” (Proverbs 6:1) What “Security” Means • In Solomon’s day, “put up security” described guaranteeing someone else’s loan or debt. • “Struck hands in pledge” was a public handshake sealing the commitment. • Today it parallels co-signing a loan, agreeing to cover another’s credit card, or taking on any obligation you do not directly control. Why the Verse Sounds an Alarm • Financial entanglement: You become legally liable for another person’s debt. • Loss of freedom: A creditor can pursue your assets if the borrower defaults (cf. Proverbs 22:26-27). • Potential for relational strain: Money issues can fracture friendships and families. • Presumption: Trusting human promises more than God’s provision invites unnecessary risk. Lessons We’re Meant to Take Literally • Scripture does not forbid generosity; it warns against careless guarantees. • Wisdom requires counting the cost before entering binding agreements (Luke 14:28-30). • Personal stewardship must come first; jeopardizing your household violates biblical responsibility (1 Timothy 5:8). Practical Applications • Reserve co-signing for cases where you could afford to pay the entire debt without harming your own family. • Prefer gifts over loans; a gift releases both parties from future tension (Acts 20:35). • Put major decisions in writing, seek counsel, and avoid impulsive commitments (Proverbs 15:22). • Build an emergency fund so you don’t need to rely on others or cause them to rely on you unwisely. Complementary Scriptures • “He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but he who hates indebtedness is secure.” (Proverbs 11:15) • “A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” (Proverbs 17:18) • “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:26) • “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” (Romans 13:8) In sum, Proverbs 6:1 warns that voluntarily attaching yourself to another person’s financial obligations can endanger your resources, freedom, and relationships. Wise stewardship heeds this counsel by avoiding or entering such commitments only with sober, prayerful caution. |
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