A Striking Example

(Proverbs 22:26 KJV)  Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

If you start in the KJV you are probably wondering what it means to “strike hands” (give pledges NASB) (8628/3709).  This is a weird compound word.  The KJV is fairly literal but does not give us anything we can understand.  Maybe this was a kind of “high five” that was given to accept an agreement.

The second part of the verse explains Solomon’s point.  Don’t guarantee other people’s debts.  That is what it means to “become sureties” (6148).  This is another recurring theme in Proverbs.  Repetition reminds us of two things:  First, it is important.  Second, we tend to forget how important it is and violate the principle. 

So?  Be careful.  Be reminded that you are not supposed to be the FDIC of your personal world.  Even the Federal Government is finding that it cannot back every mistake made my individuals.