Title
Get Collateral
Scripture
Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
(Proverbs 27:13)
Devotional
Life is a spiritual matter. There is to be no separation between it and God. Whether it is in business, personal matters or any sort of work, we are to function wisely. It would be foolish of us not to trust the wisdom found in the Proverbs. Here, for example, the message is two-fold and clear: If you are doing business with someone who has guaranteed the debt of another, get collateral from them. The more important implication is not to lend to those you do not know or to those with an ungodly reputation. It may sound overly simplified, but like most godly wisdom, it is clear and easy to understand. The wise man or woman will realize that they are not exceptions to the rule. When it comes to heeding the Word of God, it would be wise not to add or consider statements such as: “What if?”, “I’m different” and “You don’t understand.” We can never justify transgressing God’s Word.
Text For The Day
Proverbs 27:13: Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
Thought For The Day
“The savings rate in America has been declining for 10 years, and now has dropped to the same levels seen during the Great Depression. In June of 2006, the savings rate fell to 0.02 percent, which means that Americans spent 99.8 percent of their after-tax income.” “Savings Rate Falls To Almost Zero,” Los Angeles Times (8-3-05).
Questions To Ponder
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Customs and styles have obviously changed, but do these changes change the guidance of the Word of God?
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Should Christians lend? If so, should they demand repayment? Consider Luke 6:35.
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Have you ever cosigned for the debt of another? Did it prove to be a poor choice? Consider Proverbs 11:15.
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Surety”: Guaranteeing the debt of another. Signing on a note as a second makes you first to pay if the note is defaulted by the initiator.
Referencing: “My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself… Go and humble yourself; plead with your friend. Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself …” Proverbs 6:1-5
Applying: If you are a true friend, you will not cosign for the debt of your friend unless you are willing to pay the debt without holding it against your friend.