(Proverbs 11:15 KJV) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
As I was looking at this verse today it occurred to me that we can provide “surety” (6148) in more ways than financial. There are many ways that we are asked to lend our support to people and causes. We write recommendations for people. We endorse ideas. We let people use our name to add validity to a project. These are all ways of giving surety. Beware of how you spend the coin of your reputation.
The focus here is the “stranger” (2114a). It looks like that is a common group associated with warnings about this. This verse does not apply to your children or people who are good friends, although we probably should use some caution there.
So? Today be careful whom you agree with. They may quote you and add you to the public list of people who are seen to be on their side. You may end up paying their social debts. Even worse, your personal reputation account may be overdrawn.
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2 comments:
I agree. I've said "uhn huh" in conversation just to show that I was paying attention, only to have the speaker later say to someone else, "Well, Gorges thinks..." It was a lie, but the next person had no way of knowing that and perhaps the speaker really did believe that I'd agreed with him.
Uhn huh.
Seriously it is a problem. I like to think I am getting better but I still remain quiet at the wrong times and speak without clarity. Maybe someday I will be old enough to grow out of it.
Grace and peace.
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