Proverbs - Co-signing

Proverbs 17:18

                                                                     

A man void of understanding striketh hands, 

and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Becoming surety for someone is basically being a co-signer for someone.  It is taking on the responsibility of the other person in case they fall through.  We lack understanding when we step up and make this sort of commitment with someone we are friends with.   Our relationship may very well suffer as a result of this type of financial agreement.  When we deal with money with someone we change the relationship.  This type of financial agreement puts you in a position of providing for your friend if they don’t keep their word.  If your friend does not follow through on their word to you, you will find yourself having a much harder time working through the forgiveness process because you will become the source of payment for their sin. 

We can do this if we understand that we are not really going to become surety but consider the loan our own and we must be willing to pay it out of love for our friend.  We cannot come alongside a friend financially with contingencies and expectations without asking for a breeding ground of suspicion and bitterness.  If we are unable to lend without expecting repayment, we should not lend.  We should not be a co-signer.  We should help with what we can give; no strings attached, and then put them in the Lord’s hands for their financial dealings.  We lack understanding by shaking hands on this sort of arrangement with a friend if we fail to assume to the role as a giver rather than a co-signer. 

When someone asks you to participate in this sort of financial arrangement, seek the Lord.  Do not say yes because it is your friend.  You should pray even more about it because he or she is your friend.  If you lack peace or consider yourself unable to pay the loan on your own without resentment if they fail, do not enter into such an agreement.  Explain that you are not comfortable with this sort of arrangement and help them as the Lord leads.  He loves them and He will take care of them.  Perhaps their idea of a solution is not the Lord’s.