With Open Eyes

Read Proverbs 17

It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.

Proverbs 17:18

When we fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, we fell hard. Our very natures became corrupted, and one of the main areas where that sin is manifest is in our financial decisions. We love money. We love the power and fun that buying and owning things brings. One of the danger signs that we may be spending beyond our stewardship responsibility occurs when we have to ask someone to cosign with us for a loan. What kind of friends are we if we ask others to take responsibility for our debts?

Jesus cautioned us about loving money, saying, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Paul warned that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). In this atmosphere of corruption, the above proverb provides us with a welcome caution.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Be cautious before guaranteeing someone else’s debts.

Today, Lord, help me to understand how you would have me handle my finances. Help me to have my financial decisions reflect your priorities.