Proverbs 22:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.

NIV: Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

NASB: Do not be among those who shake hands, Among those who become guarantors for debts.

CSB: Don’t be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans.

NLT: Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.

KJV: Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

NKJV: Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts;

This verse begins another command, followed by its explanation (Proverbs 22:27). A wise person avoids being caught up in other people's money troubles. This is often presented in the imagery of cosigning for a loan or agreeing to pay for debts (Proverbs 6:1–5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16). Terms such as "pledges," "surety," or "security" are like what modern banking would call "collateral:" something of worth to forfeit if a debt is not paid. In Genesis 43:9 Judah offered himself to his father Jacob as surety for his brother Benjamin. When circumstances called for it, Judah offered himself as collateral for Benjamin (44:14–34).

As with other such warnings, the point is not that God's people ought to never lend money, at all. Rather, the danger is in making foolish choices about such things. Putting oneself at financial risk, for the sake of others, should only be done with careful consideration.

Hebrews 7:22 identifies Jesus as the guarantor of a better covenant. He served as the "security" or "surety" for sin debt. He took upon Himself responsibility to do all that the covenant demanded for the salvation of those who would receive its provisions.

Proverbs 22:22–29 begins Solomon's collection of thirty wise sayings. First, he presents a series of negative commands; chapter 22 ends with the first five collected teachings. These warnings touch on proper treatment of the disadvantaged, relationships, loans, boundary lines, and work ethic.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.