Proverbs 22:26
Proverbs 22:26 in Multiple Translations
Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
Be thou not one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts.
Be not one of those who give their hands in an agreement, or of those who make themselves responsible for debts:
Don't shake hands and guarantee someone's debt,
Be not thou of them that touch the hand, nor among them that are suretie for debts.
Be not thou among those striking hands, Among sureties [for] burdens.
Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
Be not with them that fasten down their hands, and that offer themselves sureties for debts:
If someone borrows money, do not be one of those who promises to pay what that person owes he cannot pay it back,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:26
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 22:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּהִ֥י
בְ/תֹֽקְעֵי
כָ֑ף
בַּ֝/עֹרְבִ֗ים
מַשָּׁאֽוֹת
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בְ/תֹֽקְעֵי
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
Prep | V-Qal
כָ֑ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
בַּ֝/עֹרְבִ֗ים
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
Prep | V-Qal
מַשָּׁאֽוֹת
mashshâʼâh
H4859
loan
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:26
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/תֹֽקְעֵי
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
Prep | V-Qal
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.
כָ֑ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
בַּ֝/עֹרְבִ֗ים
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
Prep | V-Qal
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.
מַשָּׁאֽוֹת
mashshâʼâh
H4859
"loan"
N-fp
This term refers to a loan or debt, as seen in the KJV translations. It signifies a borrowed item or financial obligation. The concept is important in biblical economics.
Definition: loan
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any(-thing), debt. See also: Deuteronomy 24:10; Proverbs 22:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:26
Context — Saying 4
24Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,
25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? 28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:15 | He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:18 | A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:13 | Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
Proverbs 22:26 Summary
This verse is warning us against putting ourselves in a difficult financial situation by guaranteeing someone else's debt. It's like co-signing a loan for someone, and if they don't pay, you'll be responsible for the debt. This can lead to financial trouble and stress, as seen in Proverbs 22:27. By being wise and responsible with our finances, as taught in Proverbs 22:26 and other scriptures like Matthew 25:14-30, we can avoid these problems and trust God to provide for our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give pledges or put up security for debts?
To give pledges or put up security for debts means to guarantee someone else's loan or debt, often by putting up one's own assets as collateral, as seen in Proverbs 22:26, which is similar to the warning in Proverbs 11:15 against being a guarantor for someone else's debt, and is also related to the principles found in Exodus 22:26 and Deuteronomy 24:6
Why is it unwise to give pledges or put up security for debts?
It is unwise because if the person you are guaranteeing for does not pay, you will be responsible for the debt, which can lead to financial trouble and stress, as warned in Proverbs 22:27, and as illustrated in the story of Judah in Genesis 43:9, who became responsible for the debt of his brother Benjamin
How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 22:26 in my everyday life?
You can apply this wisdom by being cautious when considering co-signing a loan or guaranteeing someone else's debt, and by prioritizing financial responsibility and stewardship, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 14:28-30
Are there any exceptions to the warning against giving pledges or putting up security for debts?
While the Bible does not provide explicit exceptions, it does emphasize the importance of considering one's own financial situation and being wise in decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 22:27 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, which encourages generous giving but also responsible stewardship
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential consequences of giving pledges or putting up security for debts, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How does the warning in Proverbs 22:26 relate to my own relationships and financial decisions, and what changes can I make to prioritize wisdom and responsibility?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for my financial well-being, and how can I trust Him to provide for my needs?
- In what ways can I demonstrate financial wisdom and responsibility, as taught in Proverbs 22:26 and other scriptures, such as Proverbs 10:5 and 1 Timothy 5:8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:26
Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands,.... Or "among them" (m), of the number of them, that do as they do, give their hand or their bond for others; he surety for them, as it is explained in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:26
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. Debts - literally, burdens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
To wit, rashly, or unnecessarily.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
Proverbs 22:26 Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.Ver. 26. Be not thou of them.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
(26) Be not thou one of them that strike hands.—Another warning against suretiship. (See above, on Proverbs 6:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
Verse 26. That strike hands] See on the parallel texts in the margin.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:26
26. strike hands] i.e. as a surety. See Proverbs 6:1 note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:26
Strike hands - i. e., Bind themselves as surety for what another owes (compare the margin reference).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:26
26, 27. If thou hast nothing — The subject of suretyship has been treated before.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:26
| 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. |
|
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 |