Exposition of Proverbs 6:1-5 on Suretyship and Diligence
Exposition of Proverbs 6:1-5
Proverbs 6:1-5 warns against the dangers of suretyship, or guaranteeing another person's debt. The passage begins, "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger" [2]. The act of becoming surety is described as being "snared with the words of your mouth, caught by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2). This metaphor suggests that rashly guaranteeing a debt can lead to financial entrapment.
The surrounding context of Proverbs 6 is a collection of wisdom sayings that caution against various forms of unwise behavior. The chapter begins with a warning against suretyship, followed by a rebuke to slothfulness (Proverbs 6:6-11), and then a description of a wicked person (Proverbs 6:12-15) [3].
The key terms in this passage include "surety" and "stranger". The Hebrew word for "surety" (Hebrew: ערב) implies a financial guarantee, while "stranger" (Hebrew: זר) refers to someone outside of one's immediate family or community [5].
The major exegetical decision in this passage revolves around the interpretation of "stranger". Some commentators understand it to refer to anyone outside of one's immediate family or community, while others see it as a reference to someone who is not a close friend [4].
The range of interpretations on suretyship varies among traditions. The Jewish tradition, as represented in the Midrash Rabbah, views suretyship as a serious commitment that can have significant consequences, particularly for leaders or Torah scholars [6]. Reformed and commentators, such as Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, also caution against the dangers of suretyship, emphasizing the importance of prudence and diligence in financial matters [4]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill, similarly warns against the risks of suretyship, highlighting its potential to lead to financial ruin [2].
The passage has functioned in tradition as a warning against reckless financial behavior. It is often cited alongside other biblical passages that caution against the dangers of debt and the importance of diligence [1, 7, 8].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 6 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 6 In this chapter the wise man dissuades from rash suretyship; exposes the sin of idleness; describes a wicked man; makes mention of seven things hateful to God; exhorts to attend to parental instructions and precepts, and cautions against adultery. Suretyship is described, Pro 6:1; and represented as a snare and a net, in which men are taken, Pro 6:2; and advice is given what to do in such a case, for safety in it, and deliverance from it, Pro 6:3; The sin of slothfulness is exposed, by observing the industry of the ant, Pro 6”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 6 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. A caution against rash suretiship (Pro 6:1-5). II. A rebuke to slothfulness (Pro 6:6-11). III. The character and fate of a malicious mischievous man (Pro 6:12-15). IV. An account of seven things which God hates (Pro 6:16-19). V. An exhortation to make the word of God familiar to us (Pro 6:20-23). VI. A repeated warning of the pernicious consequences of the sin of whoredom (Pro 6:24-35). We are here dissuaded from sin very much by arguments borrowed from our secular interests, for it is not only represented as damning in th”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 6 (introduction): After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pro 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pro. 6:20-35) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices. (Pro. 6:1-35) if--The condition extends through both verses. be surety--art pledged. stricken . . . hand--bargained (compare Job 17:3). with a stranger--that is, for a friend (compare Pro 11:15; Pro 17:18).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 6:1: 6:1-5 To secure the debt of another person is to guarantee it with one’s own possessions. Whether to earn a friend’s goodwill or to turn a profit from a stranger (cp. Exod 22:25; Lev 25:36-37; Deut 23:19-20), the risk is too great to take; it could lead to financial ruin. This message is repeated in Prov 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13.”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Shemot Rabbah 27:9: Another matter, “Yitro…heard,” that is what is written: “Heed the word of the Lord, house of Jacob” (Jeremiah 2:4). That is what the verse said: “My son, if you have become a guarantor for your friend” (Proverbs 6:1). Rabbi Neḥemya said: It is stated regarding Torah scholars. As long as a person is a Torah scholar, he is indifferent to the public and is not punished on their account. When a person is appointed as a leader and dons the cloak of leadership, he can no longer say: ‘I tend only to my own benefit; I do not care about the public.’ Rather, all the t”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:26: Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 22:29: Success rewards diligence (Pro 10:4; Pro 21:5). Next: Proverbs Chapter 23”