Proverbs 11:15
Proverbs 11:15 in Multiple Translations
He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure.
He who makes himself responsible for a strange man will undergo much loss; but the hater of such undertakings will be safe.
You'll get into trouble if you guarantee a stranger's loans—you're far safer if you refuse to make such pledges.
Hee shall be sore vexed, that is suretie for a stranger, and he that hateth suretiship, is sure.
Evil [one] suffereth when he hath been surety [for] a stranger, And whoso is hating suretyship is confident.
He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it : and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
He shall be afflicted with evil, that is surety for a stranger: but he that is aware of the snares, shall be secure.
If you promise a stranger that you will pay his debt if he cannot pay it himself, you will regret it. You will be safe if you refuse to guarantee that you will pay someone else’s debts.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַע
יֵ֭רוֹעַ
כִּי
עָ֣רַב
זָ֑ר
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
תֹקְעִ֣ים
בּוֹטֵֽחַ
רַע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
יֵ֭רוֹעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָ֣רַב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
זָ֑ר
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Conj | V-Qal
תֹקְעִ֣ים
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
N-mp
בּוֹטֵֽחַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:15
רַע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
יֵ֭רוֹעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָ֣רַב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
זָ֑ר
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Conj | V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
תֹקְעִ֣ים
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
N-mp
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
בּוֹטֵֽחַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:15
Context — Dishonest Scales
13A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.
15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
16A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:18 | A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:1–5 | 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 your neighbor’s hands: 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. |
| 3 | 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? |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:16 | Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
Proverbs 11:15 Summary
[Proverbs 11:15 teaches us that it's not wise to guarantee a loan or debt for someone we don't know well, as this can lead to suffering. Instead, we should be cautious and wise in our financial dealings, as advised in Proverbs 22:7, and focus on helping those in need through generosity and kindness, as seen in Acts 2:44-45. By being mindful of our financial decisions and avoiding debt, we can achieve financial security and live a life that honors God. This principle is also reflected in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches about not worrying about material needs.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to put up security for a stranger in Proverbs 11:15?
To put up security for a stranger means to guarantee a loan or debt for someone you do not know well, which is warned against in the Bible, as seen in Proverbs 6:1-5, where it advises not to guarantee debts for others.
Why is it important to hate indebtedness, as mentioned in Proverbs 11:15?
Hating indebtedness means being cautious and wise in avoiding debt, as debt can lead to slavery, according to Proverbs 22:7, and can cause significant stress and anxiety, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches about not worrying about material needs.
How can we apply the principle of not putting up security for a stranger in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by being cautious when lending or guaranteeing debts for others, and instead, focus on helping those in need through generosity and kindness, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where the early church shared their resources with one another.
What is the relationship between putting up security for a stranger and being secure, as mentioned in Proverbs 11:15?
The verse suggests that putting up security for a stranger can lead to suffering, while hating indebtedness leads to security, implying that being cautious and wise in financial dealings is essential for achieving financial security, as seen in Proverbs 21:20, where it advises storing up treasure through wise financial decisions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have put up security for strangers in the past, and what were the consequences?
- How can I balance being generous and kind to those in need with being wise and cautious in my financial dealings?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my decision-making when it comes to lending or guaranteeing debts for others?
- How can I cultivate a heart that hates indebtedness and values financial wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 11:15?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:15
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it],.... Or in "breaking shall be broken" (q), ruined and undone; he engaging or becoming a bondsman for one whose circumstances he knew not; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:15
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
A stranger; whose condition he doth not thoroughly understand, and therefore knows not his own danger. Suretiship; of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.Ver. 15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it.] Heb., Shall break - prove a bankrupt. &c
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
(15) He that is surety for a stranger.—Rather, for another, as Proverbs 6:1. Is sure.—Rather, is in quiet, undisturbed by the anxieties described in Proverbs 6:3-5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
Verse 15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it] He shall find evil upon evil in it. See on Proverbs 6:1.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:15
15. smart for it] Both A.V. and R.V. add in the marg. “Heb. shall be sore broken.” suretiship] Three entirely different Heb. words in this verse are rendered “surety,” “suretiship,” “sure.” The first denotes exchanging with another, taking his place, becoming bail for him; the second, striking hands (“Heb. those that strike hands,” A.V. and R.V. marg.), as a token of the suretiship; the third, safe, secure. See on this verse Proverbs 6:1 note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:15
See the marginal reference. The play upon “sure” and “suretiship” in the the King James Version (though each word is rightly rendered) has nothing corresponding to it in the Hebrew, and seems to have
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:15
15. He… shall smart for it — ψςιψεςa paronomasia, and difficult of interpretation. Various renderings are given by the critics: our common version is, however, sufficiently expressive and spirited. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
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The Meaning of "Kosmos" in John 3:16 by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34614 delves into the concept of 'arrabon' as a pledge, which is the payment of part of a purchase price in advance, serving as a guarantee for th |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str |