Proverbs 6:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, if thou be surety {H6148} for thy friend {H7453}, if thou hast stricken {H8628} thy hand {H3709} with a stranger {H2114},

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, if you have put up security for your friend, if you committed yourself on behalf of another;

Berean Standard Bible

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger,

American Standard Version

My son, if thou art become surety for thy neighbor, If thou hast stricken thy hands for a stranger;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:1 initiates a critical section of practical wisdom, cautioning against the perilous practice of becoming a financial guarantor for another. This verse highlights the profound risks associated with making such a commitment, especially when done rashly or for someone not intimately known, underscoring the serious and binding nature of financial pledges in ancient Israelite society and serving as a foundational warning against entanglements that can lead to personal and familial ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:1 marks a transition point within the book of Proverbs, moving from general exhortations to wisdom and warnings against folly in the opening chapters (Proverbs 1-5) to more specific, practical admonitions. It introduces a series of distinct warnings from a father to his son, characteristic of the didactic framework of the wisdom literature. This particular warning against suretyship is immediately followed by counsel against laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11), deceit and maliciousness (Proverbs 6:12-15), and the destructive nature of adultery (Proverbs 6:20-35). The placement of this financial warning at the outset of this section emphasizes its foundational importance for a life of prudence and integrity, setting the stage for a comprehensive guide to avoiding common pitfalls that threaten one's well-being and reputation, as seen throughout [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Folly").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, including Israel, formal banking institutions as we know them did not exist. Economic transactions, loans, and credit often relied on personal pledges and guarantees. The practice of suretyship, where one person guaranteed the debt or obligation of another, was a common but high-risk endeavor. The act of "striking one's hand" (Hebrew: _tâqaʻ kaph_) was a widely recognized and legally binding gesture, akin to a modern handshake or signature, signifying a solemn and unbreakable agreement or covenant. By striking hands, the guarantor assumed personal liability for the debt, potentially risking their own property, freedom, or even the enslavement of family members if the primary debtor defaulted. This societal reality underscores the severity of the warning in Proverbs 6:1, reflecting the potential for destitution and loss of liberty that could result from such a commitment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes powerfully to several overarching themes central to the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions **financial prudence and responsible stewardship**, highlighting the inherent dangers of pledging one's resources for another's obligations, particularly when the reliability of the principal debtor is uncertain. This theme is consistently echoed throughout wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of diligent management of assets and avoiding financial entanglements that can lead to ruin, as further elaborated in passages like [Proverbs 22:26-27](/proverbs/22-26-27 "Proverbs 22:26-27 - Avoid Suretyship and Debt"). Secondly, the proverb stresses the **binding nature of agreements and the importance of integrity**. The idiom "stricken thy hand" signifies a solemn and unbreakable commitment, reminding the reader that words and gestures of agreement carry serious weight and consequences, reflecting a broader biblical emphasis on truthfulness and keeping one's word (cf. [Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Keeping One's Word")). Thirdly, it speaks to **discernment in relationships and associations**. The distinction between "friend" and "stranger" suggests varying degrees of risk. While the warning applies generally, undertaking such a commitment for a "stranger" (someone less known or whose character is uncertain) is presented as particularly precarious, highlighting the need for wisdom in choosing whom to trust financially, aligning with the broader call for [discernment and wisdom](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing") in all of life's dealings.

### 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 vividly describes the act of intertwining one's financial fate with another's, taking on their risk as one's own. It implies a deep financial entanglement where one becomes an "exchange" or "pledge" for another's obligation, highlighting the profound personal liability involved.
* **stricken (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." In this context, it refers to the forceful and deliberate act of striking hands together, symbolizing the formal sealing of a contract or agreement. It underscores the solemnity, public nature, and binding force of the commitment, making it clear that this was no casual promise.
* **stranger (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114, this primitive root means "to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane." Here, it refers to someone who is not intimately known, a non-relative, or someone whose character and reliability are uncertain. The warning is intensified when the commitment is made for such an individual, as their trustworthiness is unproven, significantly increasing the risk and folly for the guarantor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son":** This opening address immediately establishes the didactic and intimate tone of the proverb. It signifies a father's loving, authoritative instruction to his child or a teacher's guidance to a disciple, framing the advice as personal, vital, and intended for the practical formation of character and prudent living.
* **"if thou be surety for thy friend":** This clause introduces the core warning, highlighting the danger of becoming a guarantor for someone else's debt or obligation, even if that person is a "friend." While friendship might imply trust and loyalty, the proverb immediately points out the inherent financial risk involved in such a commitment, even with those one knows well, suggesting that even good intentions can lead to perilous outcomes.
* **"[if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger":** This second clause intensifies the warning by specifying both the manner of the agreement ("stricken thy hand," a legally binding gesture) and the heightened risk when the commitment is made for a "stranger." The implied repetition of "if" emphasizes the conditional nature of the warning, setting up the severe consequences that are elaborated upon in the subsequent verses. The "stranger" implies someone less known, of uncertain character, or without established ties, making the act of suretyship even more perilous and foolish.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:1 employs several effective literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Didacticism** is paramount, evident in the direct, paternal address ("My son"), which establishes an instructional tone typical of wisdom literature. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Statement**, implicitly setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship ("if you do this... then these consequences will follow," with the "then" elaborated in the subsequent verses of the chapter). Furthermore, there is a subtle but significant **Parallelism** or contrast drawn between "friend" and "stranger," highlighting a spectrum of risk in relationships. While both scenarios are warned against, the latter implies a greater degree of folly and potential for ruin. Finally, **Metonymy** is powerfully present in the phrase "stricken thy hand," where the physical action of hand-striking stands for the entire, legally binding agreement or contract. This emphasizes the solemnity, public nature, and irreversible consequences of the commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:1, while rooted in practical financial wisdom, resonates with profound theological principles concerning stewardship, personal responsibility, and the sacred nature of promises. It teaches that true generosity must be tempered with divine wisdom, and that one's resources, entrusted by God, should be managed with prudence to avoid self-inflicted ruin and maintain integrity. The emphasis on the binding nature of agreements reflects God's own unwavering faithfulness to His covenants and calls believers to a high standard of integrity in their dealings, recognizing that words and pledges carry significant weight before both God and humanity. This wisdom safeguards not only personal finances but also one's reputation, freedom, and ability to fulfill other obligations, including those to God, family, and community, aligning human conduct with divine principles of order and trustworthiness.

* [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - The Ruin of Suretyship")
* [Proverbs 20:16](/proverbs/20-16 "Proverbs 20:16 - Take a Garment from Him Who is Surety")
* [Proverbs 22:26-27](/proverbs/22-26-27 "Proverbs 22:26-27 - Do Not Be a Guarantor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary world, the timeless warning of Proverbs 6:1 remains profoundly relevant, extending beyond the ancient practice of suretyship to modern financial practices such as co-signing loans, guaranteeing leases, or entering into business partnerships without thorough due diligence. This proverb challenges us to exercise profound wisdom, discernment, and self-control in all our financial commitments. It compels us to recognize that while generosity and helping others are virtues, reckless financial entanglement can lead to devastating consequences for ourselves, our families, and our ability to honor our commitments to God and others. It prompts us to carefully consider the character and reliability of those we might financially support, and to fully understand the legal and personal implications of any agreement we enter. The core principle is not to forbid all aid to others, but to ensure that our help is sustainable, wise, and does not jeopardize our own stewardship or lead us into a snare from which escape is difficult, always prioritizing long-term financial health and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the biblical call to generosity and helping others with the wisdom of avoiding risky financial entanglements, especially in modern contexts?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "striking my hand" in commitments today that could lead to unforeseen financial or personal difficulties, and how can I mitigate these risks?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that all my financial decisions are made with the discernment, prudence, and integrity advocated in Proverbs?**

### FAQ
**Is Proverbs 6:1 a blanket prohibition against helping others financially?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 6:1 is not a blanket prohibition against all forms of financial assistance. Instead, it is a strong and specific warning against the practice of becoming a surety or guarantor, particularly for someone whose reliability is unknown or questionable ("a stranger"). While the Bible encourages generosity and helping those in genuine need (e.g., [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")), it consistently balances this with wisdom, prudence, and responsible stewardship. The warning here is against taking on another's financial liability in a way that puts one's own well-being, family, or future at severe and unnecessary risk, distinguishing between wise assistance and reckless entanglement.

**What is the significance of "striking one's hand" in this verse?**

Answer: "Striking one's hand" (Hebrew: _tâqaʻ kaph_) refers to an ancient Near Eastern practice of sealing a formal, binding agreement or contract with a physical gesture, often a solemn handshake. It was a public and legally recognized declaration of commitment, signifying that the person was now irrevocably bound to the terms of the agreement and personally liable for its fulfillment. This idiom underscores the gravity and irreversible nature of becoming a surety, highlighting that such a pledge was not to be taken lightly, as it carried severe consequences, much like a sworn oath or a signed contract today (cf. [Nehemiah 10:29](/nehemiah/10-29 "Nehemiah 10:29 - Entering into a Curse and Oath")).

**Does this proverb apply to modern practices like co-signing a loan?**

Answer: Absolutely. The principle embedded in Proverbs 6:1 directly applies to many modern financial practices, including co-signing a loan, guaranteeing a lease, or entering into a business venture where one's personal assets are at risk for another's debt or performance. When you co-sign, you become legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults, mirroring the ancient concept of suretyship. The proverb warns against the folly and potential ruin of such commitments, especially when made impulsively or for someone whose financial reliability or character is uncertain, a principle further reinforced in passages like [Proverbs 17:18](/proverbs/17-18 "Proverbs 17:18 - Folly of Suretyship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:1 offers crucial practical wisdom for navigating earthly financial entanglements, its ultimate theological resonance points profoundly to Christ and His work. In a unique and perfect sense, Jesus Christ became our ultimate "surety," not through a risky or foolish venture, but through a divine, unbreakable covenant. He "struck His hand" in an eternal agreement, not as a stranger, but as the faithful Son of God, taking upon Himself the immense, unpayable debt of humanity's sin (cf. [Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Jesus, the Surety of a Better Covenant")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He perfectly fulfilled the demands of divine justice, paying the price for our spiritual bankruptcy and becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). This divine act of suretyship, rooted in perfect love, wisdom, and righteousness, frees us from the ultimate debt of sin and its eternal consequences, enabling us to live lives of responsible stewardship and generous giving, knowing that our true security is found not merely in avoiding earthly financial pitfalls, but in the unfailing provision and eternal inheritance secured by our Lord Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")).

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 17:18

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

Proverbs 22:26

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

Proverbs 11:15

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

Proverbs 20:16

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

Philemon 1:18

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account;

Philemon 1:19

I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Proverbs 27:13

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