Posted on 09/27/2019 5:01:59 AM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
“Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman” (Proverbs 27:13).
Solomon also addressed this in 6:1-4 and 11:15. Other passages on it are 20:16, 22:26-27. That 11:15, that’s five times this thing about surety, or being surety for somebody. You know, backing somebody up, and cosigning notes for somebody. But, notice what he says here. This is the last time it's mentioned in the book. It really gives you the key to it. “Take his garment that is surety for a stranger,” in other words, if another guy that owes you money has stood good for somebody else's debts, before you stand good for his you better get collateral. Because the Bible implies that that guy is a fool, and that that stranger is not going to pay, and the fellow that owes you money is not going to pay you; you better get collateral before you loan him anything.
“Take his garment,” see, there's your collateral for you. I mean, if he's been surety for a stranger he's about to get ripped off. I told you the reason they want collateral for a loan is that the bankers really don't feel that that guy can pay, and when they want a cosigner, what they are saying is we don’t think he can't pay, and we need somebody who will. Ask any banker, to be honest about it, that's what a cosigner is for. If you cosign, you are a surety for a stranger. That’s really all you can say about it.
I'd just be careful about loaning money. Even to a best Christian friend, just be careful about loaning money. You want to make enemies fast? Loan Christians money. Just do the best you can. Just tell him you haven’t got it to loan, that you don't want to lose him as a friend. Do you know what you are better to do? Just give it to him, free and clear, give it to God and walk away from it. That's the best thing to do.
Perhaps that is why this verse was written: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Proverbs 19:17).
You'll be the last guy on the face of the earth that they'll pay off. I mean, you're their friend. Just give it to him. Don't let the devil sit on your shoulder.
Let’s read a chapter of Proverbs a day and see what God might have for us. As the Lord leads, share with us what God has shown you in a special way and by His grace let us build up a devotional repository. Let’s keep our knives and forks handy for some daily bread!
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“Just tell him you haven’t got it to loan”
How is this not suggesting that one lie?
Of course, the answer is simple: either GIVE the money, or don’t give it.
I supported a mostly homeless Christian man for almost 12 years, but early on told him, after his repeated requests for money, “Jerry - do not ever ask me for money. Because I’ve given to you so often, you are now looking for me to be your piggy bank. I cannot let you become dependent on me when you need to learn to depend on God alone. If you ask me for money, the answer will always be ‘No - look to the Lord.’ I will pray, and give to you as the Lord leads me.”
Of course, I continued to support him - but as the Lord lead. And he did learn to go to the Lord for his needs - and often saw miracles as he did.
The Lord called him home recently - so his trials are over, thank God.
>>>“Just tell him you haven’t got it to loan”
How is this not suggesting that one lie?<<<
Not suggesting that one lie and say they haven’t got the money when they really do have money in their possession, but telling them that they don’t have any money “to loan” is truthful.
The Church group I attend every wednesday evening deals with re entry from jails ....I have loaned monies quite a few times and if I get it back good if not it is a small amount to pay for a fair weather friend . On the other hand I lent monies to a friend and it is a small amount (but I am not super wealthy either...self-employed) but he used to mention about paying it back but that has seemed to fade over time . I look at it this way ...IF you chose to loan cash be able to do so with it never being paid back , because more than likely it won’t . Also I don’t see it as lying if you clearly state that “You have NO MONEY FOR LOANING” That is a choice and not a lie .....BUT ! never forget prosperity is allocated to individuals by God...Praise and Glory to God for his love .
The more clear and direct response then would be, “I do not loan money.”
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