Why is "striking hands in pledge" considered unwise in Proverbs 17:18? Text of Proverbs 17:18 “A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” Meaning of “striking hands in pledge” • In ancient Israel, clasping or striking hands sealed a financial guarantee—today we would call it co-signing a loan. • The guarantor promised to cover another person’s debt if that person defaulted. Why Scripture calls it unwise • Lack of discernment – The verse flatly says the one who does it is “lacking judgment,” because he assumes someone else’s risk without the power to control the outcome. • Exposure to sudden ruin – Proverbs 6:1-5; 22:26-27 warn that the guarantor can lose his own bed or become a servant to creditors. Debt slavery was a real possibility (cf. 2 Kings 4:1). • Enabling irresponsibility – By shouldering another’s obligation, the guarantor may encourage poor stewardship in the borrower (Proverbs 13:18). • Threat to relationships – Money pressures strain friendships and families (Proverbs 25:17). When repayment fails, relational trust often collapses. • Presumption about the future – James 4:13-16 cautions against confident promises about tomorrow. Cosigning presumes a future income God has not guaranteed. • Diversion from kingdom priorities – Romans 13:8 urges believers to “owe no one anything, except to love each other.” Voluntary entanglement in debt can hinder generosity and gospel work. Wider biblical counsel on surety • Proverbs 6:1-5 —“Deliver yourself…go, humble yourself, plead with your neighbor.” • Proverbs 11:15 —“He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer.” • Proverbs 22:26-27 —“If you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” • Psalm 37:21 —“The wicked borrow and do not repay.” • Romans 13:8 —“Owe no one anything, except love.” Practical takeaways • Exercise discernment before binding your finances to another person’s decisions. • If compassion leads you to help, give what you can afford to lose rather than pledging what you cannot control (Luke 6:34-35). • Teach and model responsible stewardship so others learn diligence instead of dependency (Ephesians 4:28). • Seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22) and prayerfully weigh any financial commitment in the light of eternal priorities (Matthew 6:19-21). |
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