Proverbs 22:26

26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

Proverbs 22:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:26

Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands
Or "among them" ^F13, of the number of them, that do as they do, give their hand or their bond for others; he surety for them, as it is explained in the following clause; see ( Proverbs 6:1 ) ( 17:18 ) ; [or] of them that are sureties for debts;
contracted by others; that engage for the payment of them, in case the principal fails: and it is much if persons that keep indifferent company, angry and furious men, who are often in broils and quarrels, and spend their time and substance in strife and contention, are not drawn into engagements of this kind.

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 (b) "inter", Pagninus, Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 22:26 In-Context

24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,

25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

28 Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.