Proverbs 11:15

15 He who is ¹guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

Proverbs 11:15 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:15

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]
Or in "breaking shall be broken" ^F17, ruined and undone; he engaging or becoming a bondsman for one whose circumstances he knew not; and these being bad bring a load upon him, such an heavy debt as crushes him to pieces. Mr. Henry observes that our Lord Jesus Christ became a surety for us when we were strangers, and he smarted for it, he was bruised and wounded for our sins; but then he knew our circumstances, and what the consequence would be, and became a surety on purpose to pay the whole debt and set us free; which he was capable of doing: without being broken or becoming a bankrupt himself; for he was not broken, nor did he fail, ( Isaiah 42:4 ) . Jarchi's note is,

``the wicked shall be broken, to whose heart idolatry is sweet;''

and he that hateth suretyship is sure;
or those "that strike" ^F18, that is, with the hand, used in suretyship; see ( Proverbs 6:1 ) ; such an one is safe from coming into trouble by such means. The Targum is,

``and hates those that place their hope in God.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (ewry er) "frangendo frangetur", Michaelis; so Pagninus and others.
F18 (Myeqwt) "complodentes", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius; "defigentes", Mercerus.

Proverbs 11:15 In-Context

13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

15 He who is guarantor for a stranger will surely suffer for it, But he who hates being a guarantor is secure.

16 A gracious woman attains honor, And ruthless men attain riches.

17 The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 27:13

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "those who strike hands"