Proverbs 22:26
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern lending practices often involved pledges—debtors provided collateral or guarantors. The law regulated this, prohibiting taking essential items like millstones or cloaks overnight (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:6, 10-13). However, unwise guarantees could lead to slavery—debtors who couldn't pay often sold themselves or family members into servitude (2 Kings 4:1; Nehemiah 5:1-5). Proverbs 22:27 (next verse) warns: 'If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?' The danger wasn't theoretical but real. In the early church, economic sharing was voluntary and Spirit-led (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37), not obligatory co-signing. Paul himself supported his ministry through tentmaking (Acts 18:3) rather than burdening others, modeling financial responsibility (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you co-signed loans or made financial commitments that exposed you to risks beyond your control?
- How can you practice biblical generosity without foolish financial exposure?
- What is the difference between helping someone in need versus enabling irresponsibility?
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb warns against financial co-signing. 'Strike hands' (תֹּקְעֵי כָף/toqe'ei khaf) refers to the ancient practice of shaking hands to seal a deal—specifically becoming surety for another's debt. 'Sureties for debts' (עֹרְבִים מַשָּׁאוֹת/orvim mashsha'ot, guarantors of obligations) means pledging your assets to cover someone else's loan. Proverbs repeatedly cautions against this (6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16). The danger lies in assuming responsibility for another's behavior—you cannot control whether they repay, yet you bear full liability. This principle extends beyond literal co-signing to any arrangement where you guarantee outcomes you cannot control. While believers should be generous (Luke 6:35) and help those in need (Galatians 6:2), wisdom requires distinguishing between giving (which you can afford to lose) and co-signing (which exposes you to uncontrolled risk). Paul commanded: 'Owe no man any thing, but to love one another' (Romans 13:8).