Proverbs 22:26-27
Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just about avoiding financial risk; it's a warning against being so easily swayed by others' needs or pressures that you carelessly put yourself in a position where your basic necessities could be taken away. The phrase "strike hands" points to a formal agreement, emphasizing that this isn't a casual favor but a serious commitment that could cost you everything.
This verse follows a series of practical warnings about managing one's life wisely, including advice on dealing with anger and avoiding foolish associations. It directly addresses the danger of becoming a guarantor for someone else's debt, a commitment that could lead to losing one's own possessions, even one's bed or cloak. The implication is that such a rash promise can quickly entangle you in financial ruin, putting you at the mercy of unforgiving creditors.
Ever feel pressured to co-sign a loan or back a friend's financial commitment? The book of Proverbs warns strongly against this common practice.
Proverbs starkly advises against becoming a surety for debts, which means guaranteeing someone else's loan or financial obligation. The phrase 'strike hands' was a common idiom for sealing such an agreement. This wasn't just a casual handshake; it was a binding promise that could lead to financial ruin.
Why the Warning?
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 22:26-27 is available in the Sola app.
Financial decisions don't just affect you; they ripple outwards. This ancient proverb reminds us of our responsibility to protect our own households.
The core message here is about responsible stewardship. Taking on another's debt without careful consideration is presented as a form of irresponsibility, a failure to be 'just to yourself and your family.'
Protecting Your Resources
Understand the original words
taqa' · Hebrew Verb
A promise or a formal agreement to provide payment or guarantee for the debt of another, often leading to potential financial ruin for the one giving the pledge. It implies a high level of risk and personal responsibility for someone else's obligations.
'arubbah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to collateral or a guarantee provided to ensure the payment of a loan. In the context of ancient Israelite law, taking this from a poor person often involved seizing essential household items, which was restricted by divine law to protect the vulnerable.
This passage directly warns against becoming surety for a neighbor and striking hands as a pledge, offering a strong parallel to the advice in Proverbs 22:26.
Exodus 22:26-27While not directly about suretyship, these verses highlight the vulnerability of those who pledge their cloak for another, showing the harsh consequences that can befall the surety if the debt isn't met, a practical concern underlying Proverbs 22:26's warning.
Luke 14:28-30Jesus' parable about counting the cost before building a tower emphasizes foresight and responsibility in commitments, a principle that directly applies to the serious decision of becoming a surety for debt.
Romans 13:8This verse reminds believers to love one another, but the context, especially surrounding financial matters, cautions against accumulating excessive debts that could lead to being enslaved by creditors, a risk inherent in ill-advised suretyship.
bensonProverbs 22:26: "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts."
Proverbs 22:26-27 . Be not of them that are sureties for debts — Namely, rashly or unnecessarily. Why should he take away thy bed, &c. — Why wilt thou put thyself into the hands of such a man, who will exact the debt from thee without compassion? For though God did not allow the practice of taking and keeping a poor person’s bed, or necessary clothing, (see Exodus 22:26-27 ,) yet covetous credit…
clarkeProverbs 22:26: "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts."
That strike hands - See on Proverbs 6:1 (note); Proverbs 11:15 (note).
This isn't just about avoiding financial risk; it's a warning against being so easily swayed by others' needs or pressures that you carelessly put yourself in a position where your basic necessities could be taken away. The phrase "strike hands" points to a formal agreement, emphasizing that this isn't a casual favor but a serious commitment that could cost you everything.
This verse follows a series of practical warnings about managing one's life wisely, including advice on dealing with anger and avoiding foolish associations. It directly addresses the danger of becoming a guarantor for someone else's debt, a commitment that could lead to losing one's own possessions, even one's bed or cloak. The implication is that such a rash promise can quickly entangle you in financial ruin, putting you at the mercy of unforgiving creditors.
This verse follows a series of practical warnings about managing one's life wisely, including advice on dealing with anger and avoiding foolish associations. It directly addresses the danger of becoming a guarantor for someone else's debt, a commitment that could lead to losing one's own possessions, even one's bed or cloak. The implication is that such a rash promise can quickly entangle you in financial ruin, putting you at the mercy of unforgiving creditors.
"Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" — This isn't just about avoiding financial risk; it's a warning against being so easily swayed by others' needs or pressures that you carelessly put yourself in a position where your basic necessities…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
