PROVERBS 11:15; 17:18; 22:26

In the previous post I offered the following definition of a proverb given in terms of both positive and negative characteristics: a short, pithy figure of speech in poetic form expressing a general truth based on common experience, not an all-encompassing truth,  command or promise from God. This time I would like to comment on the next to last characteristic: it is not a command from God.

I can illustrate this with a story that took place when I was in graduate school. A very responsible young coed in our college class at church approached the youth minister and asked if he would write a letter of recommendation to the phone company so that they would waive the deposit on installing her phone. She explained that her finances were tight and she couldn't afford that fee. This wasn't in any way a matter of co-signing for her. He refused by saying that it would be going against God's commands. She was very hurt and confused and asked me where that idea was found in the Bible. After telling her that I would write the letter myself, I told her the idea probably came mistakenly from one of the following related proverbs:

    “To guarantee loans for a stranger brings trouble, but there is safety in refusing to do so.” (Proverbs 11:15)

    “It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.” (Proverbs 17:18)

    “Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts. (Proverbs 22:26)

But also consider the following:

    “A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

    “Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” (Proverbs 11:24-25).

Even if the woman had been asking the youth minister to co-sign for her, he could have (a) kindly refused on the grounds that it was not a prudent thing for him to do or (b) simply, out of love, given her the cost of the deposit. But to refuse on the grounds that he would be breaking God's command   showed that he (1) did not understand the nature of proverbs at all, (b) totally misinterpreted the first three proverbs above, and (c) was highly selective in which proverbs he used for his guidelines. 

All of this doesn't even consider what the NT teaches regarding love of our enemies, much less our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must remember that there is a great difference sometimes between doing what is prudent and sensible and doing what is loving and caring.