Proverbs 11:15

Commentary on Proverbs 11:15 (KJV)

Proverbs 11:15 offers a sharp piece of financial wisdom, contrasting the perilous consequences of acting as a guarantor for a stranger with the security of avoiding such commitments. This verse, like many in the Book of Proverbs, distills complex life lessons into concise, memorable statements, guiding readers toward prudent decision-making and away from folly.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, and throughout the ancient Near East, the practice of "suretyship" (acting as a guarantor for another's debt or obligation) was common. Without formal banking systems or credit scores, personal pledges were often the basis for loans and agreements. A "surety" would literally "strike hands" (a common idiom for making a pledge, as seen in Proverbs 6:1) to guarantee a debt. While sometimes necessary, the Proverbs consistently warn against this practice, especially for those who are not intimately known or trustworthy. The added phrase "for a stranger" intensifies the warning, as one has even less knowledge or control over the stranger's reliability or ability to repay.

Key Themes and Messages

• Financial Prudence: The verse strongly advocates for caution and discernment in financial dealings. It warns against taking on unnecessary risk, particularly when it involves the financial obligations of others.
• Consequences of Unwise Commitments: The phrase "shall smart [for it]" vividly illustrates the painful and costly repercussions of suretyship. This "smarting" implies financial loss, stress, and potential ruin.
• Wisdom vs. Folly: The contrast is clear: foolishness leads one to guarantee a stranger's debt, while wisdom leads one to avoid such entanglements, thereby ensuring personal security. This is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, leading to practical wisdom in all areas of life.
• Self-Preservation: The verse highlights the importance of protecting one's own resources and stability. By "hating suretiship," one preserves their financial well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "surety" is 'arav (ערב), which means "to mix oneself," "to pledge," or "to become security for." It vividly paints a picture of entanglement and becoming intertwined with another's financial fate. The word translated "smart" is ra'a' (רעע), which means "to be evil," "to be bad," or "to suffer." It conveys the negative, often painful, experience that results from such a commitment.

Related Scriptures

This verse is part of a consistent biblical warning against the dangers of suretyship. Other passages in Proverbs echo this sentiment, reinforcing the message of financial discretion:

• Proverbs 6:1-5: Warns against being surety for a friend, urging swift action to free oneself from the pledge.
• Proverbs 17:18: "A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend."
• Proverbs 22:26-27: "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts: If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"

Practical Application

The wisdom of Proverbs 11:15 remains highly relevant in modern financial contexts. While the specific practice of "striking hands" has changed, the principle applies directly to:

• Co-signing Loans: Co-signing a loan for a friend or family member, especially one with a questionable financial history or for a significant sum, carries the same risk as ancient suretyship. If the primary borrower defaults, the co-signer is legally obligated to pay, often leading to financial hardship.
• Guarantees and Business Partnerships: Entering into business agreements where one's personal assets are pledged as collateral for another's venture should be approached with extreme caution, particularly if the other party is not fully vetted or trustworthy.
• Financial Boundaries: The verse encourages establishing clear financial boundaries and resisting pressure to take on others' financial burdens, especially when it jeopardizes one's own stability. It's a call to responsible stewardship of one's resources.

Ultimately, Proverbs 11:15 teaches that true wisdom includes prudent financial management and the foresight to avoid commitments that could lead to personal suffering or ruin. It's a timeless reminder that caution in financial dealings, especially with strangers, is a path to security.