Proverbs 6:1–5: My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend. Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Insight
He mentions two things which are good advice any time. Beware of signing a friend’s note. And never become a partner with a stranger. The unsaved man can follow this advice in his business, and it will be helpful to him. The second verse would indicate that the fellow has been boasting. Apparently one of the reasons a man will co–sign a note with another man is that he wants to be the big shot. He wants to appear outstanding in the financial realm. We are to beware of that. Be sure that you hold on to your friends, and be sure that you beware of your enemies. That is exactly what he is saying here and will repeat it in other places. Don’t sleep on it; get the thing straightened out. You are just like a bird caught in a trap if you have signed a note. 1
Application
If you made a wrong business decision, humble yourself, and go make it right, right away.
Motivation
Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44
Beware if the business deal sounds too good to be true. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please give us all the discernment we need to make good decisions.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20, pp. 61–62). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
