My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger,
It is the excellency of the word of God that it teaches us not only divine wisdom for another world, but human prudence for this world, that we may order our affairs with discretion; and this is one good rule, To avoid suretiship, because by it poverty and ruin are often brought into families, which take away that comfort in relations which he had recommended in the foregoing chapter. 1.
Commenting on Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend,.... To another; hast engaged thyself by promise or bond, or both, to pay a debt for him, if he is not able, or if required; or hast laid thyself under obligation to any, to see the debt of another paid; if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger; or "to" him (b); whom thou knowest...
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. (n) Because he will not give ear to God's word and be admonished.