Wise Saying #3: Lending Money.
Proverbs 22:26-27 is our third wise saying. Here it is in six different translations:
Don’t promise to pay someone else’s debt. If you cannot pay, you will lose everything you have. So why should you lose the bed you sleep on? ERV
Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts. AMP
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. NIV
Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you. NLT
Don’t gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. The time will come when you have to pay up; you’ll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back. MSG
Why would you ever guarantee a loan for someone else or promise to be responsible for his debts? For if you fail to pay you could lose your shirt! TPT
Proverbs 22:26-27 coincides with Proverbs 6:1-5.
My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net. NLT
In the study section of my bible it explains these verses beautifully: These verses are not a plea against generosity, but against overextending one’s financial resources and acting in irresponsible ways that could lead to poverty. It is important to maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship. God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but he does not promise to cover the costs of every unwise commitment we make. We should also act responsibly so that our families do not suffer.
My husband is a financial advisor. I’ve heard him say before, “I’m the advisor. I give them advice, but it’s up to them to take it.” Tim is such a wise and gifted man with finances. I hope his clients do take his advice, because he is a man of integrity and desires to do what is right for his clients and their families. Tim’s advice is: God blesses us in many different ways: health, finances, family, and friends. He gives according to our talents. We have a responsibility to help others in their time of need. Just know that God knows our intentions. Don’t give to put yourself on a pedestal or to enable others.
Throughout the Bible we are instructed to assist those in need. So some may read these verses and be a bit perplexed about what to do because you want to help others. Yes! Help those in need. Give because you can, but be wise with your money as to not exasperate your own earning at the expense of others. Be mindful of repeat offenders. If someone chooses to constantly receive money from you because they are being foolish with their finances or is being lazy in the work area, you are enabling them. God speaks numerous times about those who are foolish and lazy. Just be careful, prayerful, and wise.
It’s heartbreaking to see people live beyond their means. They may be having the time of their lives, and appearing to have it all, yet they will eventually pay the price. Tim and I give sound advice and are good examples with our own finances to our children. They are at an impressionable age (young adults) and may not always make the most intelligent financial decisions, but they will learn. I know that I had been in a financial quandary in college and didn’t always make the best decisions. Going to others for help was so difficult. Yet, many of those situations didn’t have to occur because I really didn’t have to choose the activity or lifestyle I was desiring at the time. I was often selfish and wanted to appear like I was just fine, when in reality I wasn’t. My lenders were always paid back, but I should have never put myself in that position in the first place.
Be wise, guys and gals, in the choices you make. Your poor decisions do affect others around you, relationships, and your future.
There are a plethora of bible verses regarding finances. Here are just a handful:
- Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to the trouble and suffer for it. Proverbs 27:12 ERV
- If you don’t ask for advice, your plans will fail. With many advisors, they will succeed. Proverbs 15:22 ERV
- The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have turned away from what we believe because they want to get more and more money. But they have caused themselves a lot of pain and sorrow. 1 Timothy 6:10 ERV
- Loving pleasure leads to poverty. Wine and luxury will never make you wealthy. Proverbs 21:17 ERV
- Wise people save the nice things they have. Fools use up everything as soon as they get it. Proverbs 21:20 ERV
- You lazy people, you should watch what the ants do and learn from them. Ants have no ruler, no boss, and no leader. But in the summer, ants gather all of their food and save it. So when winter comes, there is plenty to eat. You lazy people, how long are you going to lie there? When will you get up? Proverbs 6:6-9 ERV
- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
- God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard. Proverbs 11:1 MSG
- Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 ERV
- Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house. Proverbs 24:27 NLT
I want to encourage you to be prayerful about your actions, finances, and the choices you make regarding lending/borrowing/giving. Sure, you can be that someone who would give others the shirt on your back, just make sure you’re not left out in the cold, then you won’t be able to help others the way you truly want to.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
