Proverbs 11:15

KJV

¶ He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that is surety {H6148} for a stranger {H2114} shall smart {H7321}{H7451} for it: and he that hateth {H8130} suretiship {H8628} is sure {H982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who guarantees a loan for a stranger will suffer, but refusing to underwrite is safe.

Berean Standard Bible

He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.

American Standard Version

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:15 delivers a stark warning against the perilous practice of suretyship, particularly for an unknown individual, highlighting the inevitable suffering that awaits those who undertake such a commitment. Conversely, it commends the wisdom of those who actively avoid guaranteeing the debts of others, promising them security and peace. This proverb distills a timeless principle of financial prudence, advocating for discernment and self-preservation in monetary dealings to avert hardship and maintain stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is a collection of antithetical proverbs, frequently contrasting the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly, and their respective outcomes. This chapter emphasizes the societal and personal benefits of integrity, generosity, and justice, while warning against deceit, greed, and rash decisions. Proverbs 11:15 fits seamlessly into this pattern by contrasting the negative consequences of foolish financial entanglement ("He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it") with the positive outcome of prudent financial detachment ("and he that hateth suretiship is sure"). It follows a series of proverbs dealing with honesty in business ([Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Honest Scales")) and precedes others that speak to the blessings of generosity ([Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - Generosity and Prosperity")), firmly rooting financial wisdom within a broader framework of righteous living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, formal banking systems as we know them did not exist. Loans and commercial transactions often relied on personal pledges and guarantees. Suretyship, or acting as a guarantor for another's debt or obligation, was a common but highly risky practice. The act of becoming a surety was often symbolized by "striking hands" (as seen in [Proverbs 6:1](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1 - The Danger of Suretyship")), signifying a binding agreement. The Proverbs consistently warn against this practice, especially for those not intimately known or trustworthy, because if the primary debtor defaulted, the surety was legally and morally obligated to repay the debt, potentially leading to financial ruin, loss of property, or even enslavement. The phrase "for a stranger" intensifies the warning, as one has even less knowledge or control over a stranger's reliability or ability to repay.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 11:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores **Financial Prudence**, advocating for caution, discernment, and responsible stewardship of resources, a recurring motif throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 22:7](/proverbs/22-7 "Proverbs 22:7 - The Borrower is Servant to the Lender")). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Unwise Commitments**, vividly portraying the "smarting" that results from rash pledges, connecting directly to the broader theme of cause and effect in moral and practical living. Thirdly, it reinforces the pervasive theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, presenting suretyship for a stranger as a mark of folly and avoiding it as a sign of wisdom, a distinction foundational to the entire book (cf. [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). Finally, it touches on **Self-Preservation and Security**, demonstrating that by "hating suretiship," one protects their own well-being and ensures personal stability, a practical outworking of living wisely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Surety (Hebrew, _ʻârab'_):** From H6148, this primitive root means "to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)." This word powerfully conveys the idea of entanglement, of becoming deeply intertwined with another's financial fate. To be a surety is to literally mix oneself into the financial obligations of another, making their debt your own.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114, this root means "to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane." The addition of "for a stranger" significantly intensifies the warning. A stranger is someone about whom one has no intimate knowledge, no reliable information regarding their character, financial habits, or ability to repay. Pledging for a stranger is an act of extreme recklessness, as it lacks any foundation of trust or understanding.
* **Smart (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** From H7321, this primitive root means "to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy); blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph." While it can mean a joyful noise, in this context, paired with the implied negative outcome (H7451, _raʻ_, meaning "bad" or "evil"), it signifies a painful, destructive, or distressing experience. The surety will "smart" or suffer severely, experiencing the damaging consequences of their ill-advised pledge.
* **Suretiship (Hebrew, _tâqaʻ'_):** From H8628, this primitive root means "to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping." This word directly refers to the act of "striking hands," the ancient custom of sealing a pledge or agreement. It vividly portrays the physical and binding nature of the commitment, emphasizing that suretiship is not a casual promise but a firm, self-imposed bond.
* **Sure (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this primitive root means "properly, to hide for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure." In contrast to the "smarting" of the surety, the one who "hateth suretiship" is "sure" – meaning they are secure, confident, and free from the anxieties and potential ruin associated with such pledges. They have found refuge in prudence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]:"** This clause presents the negative consequence of a specific unwise action. To become a "surety" (one who guarantees another's debt) for a "stranger" (someone unknown or untrustworthy) is portrayed as an act of profound folly. The inevitable outcome is to "smart," meaning to suffer painful, destructive, or distressing consequences, likely financial ruin or severe hardship, as a direct result of the commitment.
* **"and he that hateth suretiship is sure."** This clause offers a contrasting, positive outcome for a wise decision. The individual who "hateth suretiship" (actively avoids or despises the practice of guaranteeing others' debts) is promised to be "sure" – meaning secure, confident, and free from financial entanglement and its associated distress. This highlights the peace and stability that come from prudent financial boundaries.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Antithetical Parallelism** is central, contrasting the fate of the surety with that of the one who avoids suretyship. This "A is true, but B is true" structure is characteristic of Proverbs, highlighting the stark difference between wise and foolish choices. The phrase "shall smart [for it]" uses **Vivid Imagery** to evoke the painful and costly repercussions, appealing to the reader's understanding of suffering. Furthermore, the concept of "hating suretiship" is a form of **Metonymy** or **Hyperbole**, where "hating" represents a strong aversion or complete avoidance, emphasizing the absolute conviction required to steer clear of such entanglements. The proverb also relies on **Conciseness**, packing profound financial wisdom into a brief, memorable statement, typical of the aphoristic style of the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:15 is not merely a piece of financial advice but a theological statement about the nature of wisdom, trust, and responsibility. It teaches that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, manifests in practical prudence, including the careful management of one's resources and the avoidance of reckless commitments. The "smarting" for the surety reflects a natural consequence of violating divine principles of stewardship and discernment, while the "surety" of the one who avoids such pledges points to the security God grants to those who walk in wisdom. This proverb implicitly warns against a misplaced trust in human promises or a naive assumption of responsibility for others' financial failures, redirecting trust towards God as the ultimate source of security.

* [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "The Peril of Suretyship")
* [Proverbs 17:18](/proverbs/17-18 "Folly of Suretyship")
* [Proverbs 22:26-27](/proverbs/22-26 "Avoid Debt Guarantees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient wisdom of Proverbs 11:15 remains remarkably pertinent in our modern financial landscape. While the specific act of "striking hands" has evolved, the underlying principle applies directly to contemporary practices like co-signing loans, guaranteeing business ventures, or taking on significant financial liabilities for others, especially those whose reliability is uncertain. This proverb challenges us to cultivate a spirit of financial discernment and responsible stewardship, recognizing that our resources are a trust from God. It encourages us to establish healthy financial boundaries, resisting the pressure to assume burdens that could jeopardize our own stability or that of our families. True compassion does not always mean taking on another's debt, but often involves guiding them toward responsible solutions or offering support that does not compromise one's own well-being. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a life of prudence, where foresight and self-control lead to security and peace, freeing us from the painful "smarting" of unwise commitments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to act as a "surety for a stranger" in my current financial or relational commitments?**
* **What are the potential "smarting" consequences I might face if I disregard this proverb's warning?**
* **How can I cultivate a healthy "hatred" (strong aversion) for financial entanglements that could compromise my security?**
* **What biblical principles of stewardship and trust should guide my decisions regarding co-signing or guaranteeing financial obligations for others?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean I should never help a friend or family member financially?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Proverbs 11:15 specifically warns against being "surety for a stranger," and the broader context of Proverbs often advises against guaranteeing *any* debt, even for a friend (e.g., [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - The Danger of Suretyship")). The core message is about avoiding *guaranteeing* another's debt, which makes you legally liable for their failure. It's distinct from offering a gift, a direct loan (with clear terms), or practical assistance that doesn't jeopardize your own financial stability. The wisdom here is about discernment and avoiding commitments that could lead to your own ruin, especially when the person is unknown or unreliable. Compassion should be exercised wisely, not recklessly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:15, with its warning against suretyship, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in Jesus *avoiding* suretyship, but in Him *becoming* the ultimate Surety for a "stranger" – humanity alienated from God. While the proverb warns against the painful consequences for the human guarantor, Christ willingly embraced the "smarting" on our behalf. He became our [Surety of a better covenant](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Jesus, the Surety of a Better Covenant"), taking upon Himself the debt of our sin, which we, as spiritual "strangers" and debtors, could never repay. The "smarting" for Him was the cross, where He bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin, suffering the ultimate separation and pain so that we might be "sure." Through His sacrifice, we who were once estranged are now made secure and confident in our standing before God, not by our own merit or guarantees, but by the perfect and complete work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His suretyship ensures our eternal security, fulfilling the proverb's promise of being "sure" not through avoidance, but through His divine, self-sacrificial engagement. He is the one who [knew no sin but became sin for us](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness") so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:1

¶ My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Proverbs 17:18

¶ A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Proverbs 20:16

¶ Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Proverbs 22:26

¶ Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.

Proverbs 22:27

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?