Topical Encyclopedia Suretyship, in biblical terms, refers to the act of pledging oneself as a guarantee for another's debt or obligation. This concept is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, often with cautionary advice. The role of a surety involves taking on the responsibility to fulfill an obligation if the primary party fails to do so. This practice was common in ancient times and is reflected in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.Biblical References and Teachings 1. Proverbs on Suretyship: The Book of Proverbs provides several warnings about the dangers of becoming a surety. Proverbs 6:1-5 advises, "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into the hand of your neighbor: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." This passage emphasizes the urgency and importance of extricating oneself from such commitments. 2. Warnings Against Suretyship: Proverbs 11:15 states, "He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure." This verse highlights the potential suffering and risk associated with guaranteeing another's debt, especially for someone unknown or unreliable. 3. Further Cautions: Proverbs 17:18 further warns, "A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor." This suggests that entering into suretyship is often a sign of poor judgment and can lead to negative consequences. 4. Proverbs 22:26-27 : "Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" This passage underscores the potential personal loss and financial ruin that can result from imprudent suretyship. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, suretyship is often viewed as a risky endeavor that can lead to personal and financial entanglement. The Bible's repeated warnings suggest that such commitments should be approached with caution and discernment. The underlying principle is one of stewardship and responsibility, encouraging individuals to avoid unnecessary entanglements that could jeopardize their own well-being and that of their families. Christ as the Ultimate Surety In the New Testament, the concept of suretyship takes on a redemptive dimension through the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:22 declares, "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." Here, Christ is portrayed as the ultimate surety, who guarantees the New Covenant through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Unlike human suretyship, which carries risk and potential failure, Christ's surety is perfect and unfailing, providing eternal security for believers. Practical Considerations While the Bible does not outright forbid suretyship, it advises prudence and careful consideration. Believers are encouraged to weigh the potential consequences and to act wisely in financial matters. The biblical counsel on suretyship serves as a reminder of the importance of sound judgment and the avoidance of unnecessary risks that could lead to personal and relational harm. Smith's Bible Dictionary SuretyshipIn the entire absence of commerce the law laid down no rules on the subject of suretyship; but it is evident that in the time of Solomon commercial dealings had become so multiplied that suretyship in the commercial sense was common. (Proverbs 6:1; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13) But in older times the notion of one man becoming a surety for a service to be discharged by another was in full force. See (Genesis 44:32) The surety of course became liable for his client's debts in case of his failure. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state of being surety; the obligation of a person to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another.Strong's Hebrew 8594. taarubah -- a pledge... Word Origin from arab Definition a pledge NASB Word Usage hostages (2). hostage. From arab; suretyship, ie (concretely) a pledge -- + hostage. see HEBREW arab. ... /hebrew/8594.htm - 6k Library Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People The Mourner's Comfort. Jesus, the Surety of a Better Covenant What are the Duties Required in the Eighth Commandment? The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ... We May Make no Promise that is Wrong, and if we have Made an ... The Captions of the Arabic Canons Attributed to the Council of ... Oh, How He Loves! Songs of Deliverance Baptism --A Burial Thesaurus Suretyship (1 Occurrence)...Suretyship (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure. (ASV DBY YLT RSV). ... /s/suretyship.htm - 6k Surety (21 Occurrences) Suretiship (1 Occurrence) Sure (142 Occurrences) Surf (1 Occurrence) Suffereth (14 Occurrences) Surely (587 Occurrences) Confident (42 Occurrences) Hating (95 Occurrences) Resources Suretyship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Suretyship (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 11:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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