Proverbs 22:26

Commentary on Proverbs 22:26 (KJV)

Proverbs 22:26 offers a vital piece of ancient wisdom concerning financial prudence and the dangers of reckless commitments. The King James Version states, "Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts." This verse directly warns against practices that could lead to severe financial distress.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of divine wisdom, providing practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life according to God's principles. This particular verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 22:17–24:34) often referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise," which offers various admonitions for daily living. In an agrarian society without modern banking systems, personal guarantees played a significant role in transactions. The wisdom here is timeless, addressing the universal temptation to make risky financial promises on behalf of others.

Key Themes

• Financial Responsibility: The verse strongly advocates for individual financial prudence, urging believers to protect their own resources and avoid entangling themselves in others' financial burdens.
• Avoiding Reckless Commitments: It warns against the impulsive decision to guarantee a debt for someone else, highlighting the potential for personal ruin. This is a call to thoughtful, not emotional, decision-making when it comes to money.
• The Danger of Surety: The primary message is a clear caution against becoming a "surety for debts," meaning to co-sign or guarantee a loan for another individual. The wisdom literature consistently presents this practice as unwise and perilous, as seen in other passages like Proverbs 6:1-5 and Proverbs 11:15.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strike hands" refers to an ancient custom where a handshake or similar gesture sealed an agreement or contract. In this context, it specifically denotes the act of pledging oneself as a guarantor or surety for another's debt. To "strike hands" in this manner was to make a binding, formal commitment to assume responsibility for someone else's financial obligation if they failed to pay. The term "sureties" (Hebrew: ערבים, 'arvim) means those who stand as security or pledge, emphasizing the legal and financial liability undertaken.

Practical Application

Proverbs 22:26 remains incredibly relevant in contemporary society. While the methods of guaranteeing debt have evolved, the underlying principle holds true:

• Co-signing Loans: This verse directly advises against co-signing loans for friends or family members. While intentions may be good, the biblical wisdom recognizes the high risk involved, as you become legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults.
• Financial Stewardship: It encourages wise stewardship of one's own resources and future, warning against jeopardizing personal financial stability for another's debt.
• Discernment in Relationships: The passage prompts discernment in financial dealings, even with those we care about. True help may sometimes involve teaching financial responsibility rather than enabling dependency through guaranteeing debt. This wisdom helps us understand the importance of seeking wisdom as the principal thing in all areas of life, including our finances.

In essence, Proverbs 22:26 is a timeless warning to avoid becoming financially entangled in ways that could lead to personal ruin, promoting prudence and foresight in all financial agreements.