My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
My son, if you have promised to pay your friend's debt, if you have shaken hands with a stranger to guarantee their loan,
The writer is warning about the dangers of making yourself financially responsible for someone else's debts or obligations.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel during the time of King Solomon, who is traditionally seen as the author of Proverbs, people often sealed financial agreements by striking hands, which was a formal way to pledge or guarantee a debt. This practice carried significant risks, as becoming a surety meant taking on another's financial obligations, potentially leading to personal loss in a society where resources were limited. Such wisdom literature in the Bible aimed to guide people away from foolish decisions in everyday life.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.