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Day 42 Proverbs 11:15 Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates suretiship is sure. One thing we see a lot of is people who borrow money, either from friends and family, or loan companies. When that happens, friends and family members consistently ask for their loan or are patient in asking if it’s a family member. Loan companies, on the other hand, aren’t patient and will charge interest and ask that someone co-sign for the loan so they can be guaranteed they will get the money back. Solomon knew the consequences of being responsible for someone else’s debt. In that time, a contract between two people was made at the city gate in front of witnesses. Both parties would give their hand in pledge that he would be good to repay the debt. Solomon said a person should not do that because it put undue responsibility on the third party who stood in stead for the person agreeing to the loan. Oftentimes when that happened, the person who stood surety for the other, ended up paying the debt instead of the person who borrowed the money. Paul said we are not to owe anyone anything except the debt of love. Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. Wisdom declares then, that we do not borrow from anyone or loan anyone, or stand in surety for anyone, and we will keep our friends and there will be peace in our lives. As Christians, then, we are to love God and love our neighbor and instead of lending, give. That way nobody is under obligation to return what was borrowed, and friendships will remain solid. Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asks of thee; and of him that takes away thy goods ask them not again. Let’s pray: Father, help me to give what is needed without obligation or debt, and love my neighbor as you commanded as the only debt I am to have. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 18 October 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay