Proverbs 6:1-5 – Security
Solomon has warned us against the dangers of those who try to lead us into sin. He now cautions us against entering into a partnership with a foolish friend. The specific warning is against putting up security for a friend – things like investing in their business, co-signing on their loan, or being their guarantee of payment. But in some cases in the Bible this is allowed and approved – Reuben and Judah tell their father Jacob to take their lives and their sons if they do not bring back Benjamin, and Paul tells Onesimus’ owner that he will pay him whatever Onesimus owes him (Genesis 42:37; 43:9; Philemon 1:18-19). Sometimes making a promise and going into a business partnership can be an act of wise friendship, and we’ll end up benefiting. So, what is Solomon referring to here? He is talking about hasty and foolish promises, unwise investments and agreements, to which young and inexperienced people are especially prone. Often we’ll make a quick promise to help someone without thinking through all that is involved, or we’ll encourage and support someone in doing something that is poorly done and will bring bad results. So, how do we avoid this? By thinking before we agree to do something. And if we do find ourselves trapped, Solomon advises us to go to our friends and ask them to release us from our promise. And if someone comes to you, then, asking to be released from a hasty promise they have made, it seems that the loving thing to do in most cases is to release them from that responsibility.
But we can rejoice that while God warns us against being a security for others, He has taken it upon Himself. He has given His word, His bond, His blood for sinners, a security that no powers of Hell can shake.
Questions
- What is Solomon warning us about?
- How can we avoid making hasty promises?
- How has God been our security?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would think before we speak.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.