Proverbs 6:1
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עָרַ֣בְתָּ
if thou be surety
H6148
עָרַ֣בְתָּ
if thou be surety
Strong's:
H6148
Word #:
3 of 7
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
תָּקַ֖עְתָּ
if thou hast stricken
H8628
תָּקַ֖עְתָּ
if thou hast stricken
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
5 of 7
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
Cross References
Proverbs 17:18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.Proverbs 22:26Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.Proverbs 11:15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.Proverbs 20:16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.Job 17:3Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?Proverbs 27:13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.Genesis 43:9I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, debt slavery was common when obligations couldn't be met. Becoming surety for a neighbor's debt could result in losing one's freedom and property, making this warning particularly urgent in that socioeconomic context.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance Christian generosity with financial wisdom in helping others?
- What safeguards have you established to ensure your financial decisions honor God's sovereignty?
- In what ways might unwise financial commitments hinder your service to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Solomon warns against cosigning debts or becoming surety for another's obligations. This proverb addresses the Reformed principle of stewardship—God's sovereignty extends to our financial decisions. The Hebrew word 'arab' (become surety) implies pledging oneself as collateral. While Christian charity is virtuous, unwise financial entanglements can undermine our ability to serve God and family. This reflects the biblical balance between generosity and prudent stewardship.