Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;

Proverbs 22:26

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Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Proverbs 22:26-27

Commentary

This is another clear warning against borrowing, especially borrowing with collateral (putting up security for debt). The next verse says that if you don’t pay, even your bed will be taken away. When you signed that mortgage and said they could take your house if you didn’t pay, or you signed that car loan and agreed to have your car towed if you stopped payments, the lender takes those options seriously. The people in the collections department don’t care that you use your car to get to work. They just want their money. If you’re in that situation, get yourself free.