My father cited the verses below as he introduced a much younger me to financial common sense. “Don’t sign a note with ANYBODY, whether best friend or a family member.”
Proverbs 6:1-2KJV My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Daddy's lessons were never long, just a conversation, usually with a snippet of family history about the unwise actions of some adult I was acquainted with. Sometimes it was about missteps he or my mother had made. Sometimes it was about other respected adults that populated my list of people I loved.
Those in this particular object lesson had not followed Proverbs 6:1-2 at some point earlier in life. The fact that they had learned from their unfortunate, expensive and painful choices was evident and made the lesson more powerful to me.
Throughout those growing up years, he often interspersed our daily interactions with Proverbs 6:1-2 reminders and other practical Bible verses that helped shape who I am today.
Throughout those growing up years, he often interspersed our daily interactions with Proverbs 6:1-2 reminders and other practical Bible verses that helped shape who I am today.
Even though I ignored some of his precepts and had to learn their truth through my own foolish and uncomfortable experiences, I am so thankful for those lessons.
In 1978 Biblica, formerly the New York Bible Society, published the full New International Version Bible and made the Bible available in more modern English. Here are those Proverbs verses from the NIV:
Proverbs 6:1-2NIV My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.
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Great words of wisdom from God's Word and from your father.
ReplyDeleteYou had a wise dad. Personal experience is a great way to relate ideals to people.
ReplyDeleteNIV is my favorite translation and the one I have used for years. Daddy love the KJV best, but after NIV came out I rarely used it.. I learned the same lessons from daddd
ReplyDeleteGreat words of wisdom from the Bible and your Dad.
ReplyDeleteMoney sure can get us into a lot of trouble...(or the lack there of)
While my Hubby is recuperating from his surgery and the complications I have had to pray for patience and that my words would be healing and not harsh.
So thankful the Lord gives us what we need...
Sue
Wise words. The first creditor to be ignored is a friend or family member. If I can afford it, I consider it a gift and never expect a return. In that way, I have never been disappointed. Since I can't afford a big ticket item as a gift, I'd never co-sign.
ReplyDeleteBoy, this is so true....we 'kind of' this mistake when young. Luckily, the sister of the guy we signed for made good on it. It was not a huge amount but sure taught us a lesson.
ReplyDeleteYou had a wise dad.
ReplyDelete