Bible Strands
Proverbs 11:15
He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs delivers practical instruction to a student, positioned here between warnings about national leadership and observations on personal character.
The words — The Hebrew עָרַב ('A.rav) means "he stood surety for," and תֹקְעִים (to.ke.'Im) literally denotes "those striking hands," describing the gesture of sealing a pledge.
The thread — This warning against guaranteeing another's debt appears in Proverbs 6:1, 17:18, and 20:16, where similar language condemns rash financial commitments.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to refuse financial guarantees for strangers and actively reject debt entanglements to preserve personal stability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger,
- Proverbs 17:18 A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
- Proverbs 20:16 Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
- Proverbs 22:26 Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.