Often, conservative Christians don’t discuss money situations, because it can be unseemly in the Body of Christ to dwell on such matters. Yet, the Lord does address money and all its entanglements. In today’s Proverb study, we examine what the Lord has to say about standing in for someone else – with money. And this is something that many believers will have to face in their lives, either within their own family, or in needing to advise someone else. And how good it is know that the answer to ALL of life’s questions can be found in our King James Bibles!
Proverbs 11:15
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:
SU’RETY, noun Certainty; indubitableness. – In law, one that is bound with and for another; one who enters into a bond or recognizance to answer for another’s appearance in court, or for his payment of a debt or for the performance of some act, and who, in case of the principal debtor’s failure, is compellable to pay the debt or damages; a bondsman; a bail. http://webstersdictionary1828.com/
Co-signing loans are just the beginning of this problem. Our government makes a regular habit of surety to strangers! Not just strangers – but downright hostile, rogue nations and terrorist states. And, any reasonable person knows that this will come back to bite us. If you want to help someone – make them a gift. Don’t sign away in the expectation of repayment. The Bible is clear on this. Surety should not be practiced by individuals – or sovereign nations.
and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
Believers should hate the very idea of being indebted. We should hate the very idea of our country being indebted. If you would not consider putting up bail, or co-signing a loan for a total stranger – then our elected officials should not consider bailing out failing banks, corporations, nations, or any other “stranger” entity. Churches that take on debt in the “if you build it they will come” strategy of “church growth” are also being surety for strangers. They are anticipating that new church buildings and extravagant venues will offer a return in increased church memberships – never thinking that those who come for the glossy trappings will not actually be adding to the body of Christ at all. In fact, they may detract from it. Many churches have gone bankrupt by being surety for strangers.
Only Jesus Christ is qualified and capable of providing surety for anyone. And He does it perfectly, because He is the provider of everything. He backs us up, He intercedes for us, and He is our guarantor.
Hebrews 7: 9-25
9 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath He was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by Him that said unto Him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The Vine Vigil 