Proverbs on Pledging Money for Others

(Prov. 6:1-5) My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, ² you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. ³ So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! ⁴ Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. ⁵ Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

(Prov. 11:15) Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

(Prov. 17:18) One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

(Prov. 20:16) Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

(Prov. 20:25) It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. (Prov. 22:26) Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; ²⁷ if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.

(Prov. 22:26) Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; ²⁷ if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.