Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:15, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
American Standard Version
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure.
World English Bible version
He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
Proverbs 11:15 Meaning & Commentary
Putting up security for someone is like the modern-day equivalent of co-signing a loan with someone. Proverbs 11:15 notes that doing this for a stranger will surely suffer harm. Co-signing a loan with anyone is undoubtedly not a good idea, let alone a stranger! Someone who hates striking hands in a pledge (Making deals like that) is secure and not at risk. One of the things Jesus taught about money is that there are only two “Gods” in this world, and we are all either serving one or the other.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Would anyone serving God ask a stranger for help in attaining a loan or borrowing money? There is something very suspicious about that activity. Because some people have made money their God, they will stop at nothing to get more of it. This is important to remember because if someone comes to us trying to make some “deal” with us or asking for our help to access more money, it should be a red flag for us.
A person who keeps himself free from getting involved in money deals as a middle-man is wise and secure, as Proverbs 11:15 says. The Bible teaches us not to put our trust in man: Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation .If we seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness in all things, he promises to meet our needs and add all we need to us: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Why would a person seeking The Kingdom of God go to a stranger (Not even a family member or friend) to borrow money? There is something wrong with the picture and getting involved in it is a sure way to get burned and suffer harm!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:15 to our lives?
We need to stay out of helping any strangers with accessing money in any way. Certainly, co-signing a loan or putting up security for a stranger goes against all common sense. If the shoe is on the other foot, and we are considering borrowing money, asking a stranger to put up security for us is a terrible idea. The Bible gives us a few simple principles to live by regarding money. Though this list is not entirely exhaustive, it can be practically applied to Proverbs 11:15.
Firstly, we need to work with our own hands to supply what is required, so we have enough for ourselves and others: Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Secondly, being in debt in any way is not good, and it is better to owe nothing to no one: Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Thirdly, we should do our best to mind our own business and live quietly: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. Putting up security for a stranger or striking hands in a pledge directly or indirectly goes against each of these things. As we choose to remain out of the financial dealings of strangers and set our hearts on God, he will bless us to be a blessing to the right people, not expecting anything in return!
Prayer
Heavenly, Father, I thank you for this word today, which is a warning not to stick my nose into other people’s financial affairs. I pray and ask for Wisdom and guidance to help the correct people in Wisdom.
Thank you that you will bless me to be a blessing to others, but without expecting anything back. Help me to keep my life centered on you at all times. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
