Proverbs - Being a Co-Signer

Proverbs 20:16

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Offering surety in the scriptures is similar to being a co-signer on a loan.  This verse is telling us that if we become security for someone we don’t know very well it is almost like losing the clothing off our backs.  Financial dealings are to be handled in the light and questioning details is a sign of wisdom.  If we are asked to co-sign for a loan we should have the right to examine the financial dealings of the person who requests such a favor.  We should look at their debt, tithing, savings, job security and other matters.  It is fair for us to be shrewd in our business dealings.  We must not enter into contracts and covenants unaware of the terms and expectations.  God’s people must remember that the money entrusted to us is really His and we are but stewards and guardians of it.  Our credit rating should be high and our wisdom should come from God.  Jesus often used money in his teaching and desired His followers to be full of faith and full of facts.  Even when Jesus prayed over the fish and loaves to feed more than it should, he knew exactly how many fish and how many loaves he was working with.  We don’t handle finances like they are a stranger or strange woman.  We look at our statements, we know when bills are due and then we trust in the Lord for the wisdom and provision we need to handle such truth.  Let us make friends with money and not allow it to intimidate us or deceive us.