Question for all the Bible Scholars and Bible Scholar wanna be's

[JustABigKid]

I recently heard a message about a subject that I have never heard before.

Basically the preacher said that according to Proverbs 6:1-3 we should not be a cosigner for someone's loan, apt application or any other financial thing. He went on to say that even parents should not do this for their kids to help them get started out on their own. He said we should never "loan" money in to someone in this sense that we are expecting it back. He said that if we chose to "give" someone money to help them it should be in a spirit that we don't expect repayment.

I honestly had never heard about anything like this before. My parents and inlaws have helped our family when I lost jobs and such.

Any thoughts???

I am kind of confused on the matter.

 

[Just me]

I recently heard a message about a subject that I have never heard before.

Basically the preacher said that according to Proverbs 6:1-3 we should not be a cosigner for someone's loan, apt application or any other financial thing. He went on to say that even parents should not do this for their kids to help them get started out on their own. He said we should never "loan" money in to someone in this sense that we are expecting it back. He said that if we chose to "give" someone money to help them it should be in a spirit that we don't expect repayment.

I honestly had never heard about anything like this before. My parents and inlaws have helped our family when I lost jobs and such.

Any thoughts???

I am kind of confused on the matter.

I would not look at it that way.  I think it is more a warning to be cautious in your financial dealings when it comes to "Suretiship".  Do not co-sign without thinking it through first and being able to meet the obligation if the person you signed for could not pay. 

We are to help out, give or lend others as we are able.  Ps 112:5 indicates this way

 

[Ransom]

Any thoughts???

Remember that Proverbs is wisdom, not law.  It's not rules to follow, so much as general statements about how the world works, and practical advice on how to navigate it.

The lesson here isn't don't sign so much as be careful what you sign. If you guarantee a loan for someone who turns out to be financially unreliable, you have essentially indebted yourself to him just as much as his creditors. If you find yourself stuck in a bad debt, talk to your neighbour and do what you can to get out of it.

On the other hand, if you know the risks and are willing to accept them, for the sake of a family member or trusted friend, that's your business.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

I recently heard a message about a subject that I have never heard before.

Basically the preacher said that according to Proverbs 6:1-3 we should not be a cosigner for someone's loan, apt application or any other financial thing. He went on to say that even parents should not do this for their kids to help them get started out on their own. He said we should never "loan" money in to someone in this sense that we are expecting it back. He said that if we chose to "give" someone money to help them it should be in a spirit that we don't expect repayment.

I honestly had never heard about anything like this before. My parents and inlaws have helped our family when I lost jobs and such.

Any thoughts???

I am kind of confused on the matter.

I think you shouldn't listen to that guy any more....

 

[T-Bone]

As has been said the Proverbs are just that proverbs.  They are not commands, but wisdom that will make our lives better.  It would be wise never to put your name down for someone else's debt.  That does not mean it is forbidden, but prudent.

 

[JustABigKid]

I appreciate the comments as these were my initial thoughts as well in hearing the message. I guess I will need to do some more studying, meditating, and praying to try to figure out what is truly correct.

Thanks,

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

I appreciate the comments as these were my initial thoughts as well in hearing the message. I guess I will need to do some more studying, meditating, and praying to try to figure out what is truly correct.

Thanks,

When I taught Proverbs awhile ago, in this passage I gave some personal decisions and insight I derived from the verses....and suggested that they prayerfully do the same.