In biblical terms, "surety" refers to the act of providing a guarantee or assurance for another's debt or obligation. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both the practical and spiritual implications of becoming a surety for another.

Old Testament References

The concept of surety is prominently addressed in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. In the Book of Proverbs, the dangers and responsibilities associated with becoming a surety are highlighted. Proverbs 6:1-5 warns, "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler."

This passage underscores the urgency and potential peril of becoming a surety, advising one to extricate themselves from such obligations if possible. Similarly, Proverbs 11:15 states, "He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure." This verse suggests that taking on the responsibility of another's debt can lead to personal suffering and advocates for caution in such matters.

New Testament Insights

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the concept of surety in the same manner as the Old Testament, the principles of responsibility and caution in financial dealings are echoed. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize wisdom, stewardship, and the avoidance of unnecessary entanglements that could lead to spiritual or financial compromise.

In a broader spiritual sense, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate surety for humanity. Hebrews 7:22 declares, "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." Here, Christ is portrayed as the divine guarantor of the new covenant, offering assurance of salvation and eternal life to those who believe.

Practical and Spiritual Implications

The biblical perspective on surety serves as a cautionary principle, advising individuals to carefully consider the implications of guaranteeing another's obligations. It encourages prudence and discernment in financial and relational commitments. Spiritually, the concept of surety points to the redemptive work of Christ, who, as the ultimate guarantor, provides believers with the assurance of God's promises.

In summary, the Bible presents surety as a significant responsibility with potential risks, urging believers to exercise wisdom and caution. At the same time, it elevates the concept to a spiritual level, where Christ Himself becomes the surety for believers, securing their relationship with God through His sacrificial love and eternal covenant.Genesis 44:32
For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, If I bring him not to you, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 22:26,27
If you at all take your neighbor's raiment to pledge, you shall deliver it to him by that the sun goes down:
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 24:10-13
When you do lend your brother any thing, you shall not go into his house to fetch his pledge.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger,
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Proverbs 11:15
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates indebtedness is sure.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 20:16
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
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Proverbs 22:26
Be not you one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
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Proverbs 27:13
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
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Ezekiel 18:7,12
And has not oppressed any, but has restored to the debtor his pledge, has spoiled none by violence, has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;
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Ezekiel 33:15
If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Nave's Topical Index

Amos 2:8
And they lay themselves down on clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.
Nave's Topical Index

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... of that redemption, we believe the Scriptures are plain ... all the prophets, that which
did testify concerning himself; and ... If he had stood as the surety for the ...
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