Do Not Pledge What You Cannot Pay Back – (Proverbs 22:26-27)

Daily Proverbs
Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts; If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?

Daily Bible Study
Here is practical advice from God for our day-to-day lives. This is another pillar in the foundation of responsible stewardship of the blessings God has given us. We have to remember it's God who has blessed us with the wealth, talents, family, friends and things which we have. This is because it's God who has given us our intellect, our talents, our abilities as well as the circumstances by which we earn a living and build wealth. Therefore, we should not squander those gifts by utilizing them as a surety for another person's debt. Our wealth, which is a blessing from God is meant by Him, for us to bless others and continue the spread of the Gospel message. We should not make ourselves responsible for the foolishness of others. Because when we do we come under the bondage of those to whom the debt is owed.

Moreover, we should not place ourselves in a position to be responsible to re-pay something we cannot afford to buy and pay for ourselves. To engage in this sort of behavior is the set ourselves up to lose those blessings the Lord has given us. In addition, doing this can destroy relationships between family and friends who leave others to pay their bills. We have to remember God's word tells us we can lend to one another, however we are to lend without expecting anything in return. This means unless we have the ability to cover the debt completely and to lose that money with no hard feelings or regret, then we should not offer the help. In addition, God's word takes our moral obligation a step further. Because if we can cover the debt than we should consider giving the needed money as a gift to prevent the debt from being created! And this would mean to review the reason and wisdom behind the debt in the first place, then if truly needed, we should give the money as a gift to prevent the debt of family and friends.