In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be held with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray”, and in chapter six and verse one of Proverbs Solomon shared with his son about being, “surety for your friend” where we read,
My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger, ...
The verse begins, “My son, if you be surety for your friend, ...”. Solomon began with the words, “my son” or “my, Solomon's, male offspring and progeny”, “if you be surety” which means “whether and in case you, Solomon's son, become a pledge, mortgage and security as a kind of exchange” “for your friend” or “on behalf of your, Solomon's son's, companion, fellow-citizen or associate”. Solomon shared with his son concerning being as security on behalf of his associate or companion.
The verse continues, “... if you have stricken your hand with a stranger.” Solomon added the words, “if you have stricken your hand” or “whether and in case you, Solomon's son, have clapped, struck, sounded and pledged your, Solomon's son's, physical hand” “with a stranger” which means “alongside and beside a foreigner, alien or loathsome prostitute or harlot”. Solomon considered the case of his son making an agreement with a foreign or loathsome person.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon warned his son against becoming a partner or co-signer with someone who was his companion, fellow-citizen or foreigner. The idea was to be extremely careful when committing to a business dealing with someone else. Solomon wanted to protect his son from future pain and anguish, and God desires the same for us. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to lead us in wisdom whenever we are to form any agreement with other people.
Next time Solomon says to his son, “you are snared with the words of your mouth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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