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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 324

STUDY 324

Text: Proverbs 27
9 September 2007

Dear Parents,

SURETY
The word “surety” is an old word. The modern day word is “guarantor”.

Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

Proverbs 27:13

1. The idea of being a guarantor

a) This concept was well dealt with in Proverbs 6:1-5.

b) The essence of the advice given in Proverbs is to highlight the danger of being a surety.

2. The imagery of “a stranger”

a) The individual is NOT a complete stranger.

b) This person who wants to borrow money may well be.

i) A neighbour.

ii) An acquaintance (“a friend”).

3. Why is he called “a stranger”

a) One does not know the true state of the heart of anyone.

b) A person may pose as a friend for years.

c) He may turn out to be a false friend (“a stranger”).

TAKING THE GARMENT OF THE PERSON WHO STANDS AS SURETY
This guarantor may not have sufficient funds to help his “friend” (the stranger). Nevertheless, he borrows money to help his friend. He hardly has any collateral left. His last valuable collateral is his “garment”.

A SEDUCTRESS
This proverb pictures the scene where the guarantor will lose his last shirt to a person who is nothing more than a seductress. This “simple” person, lacking prudence is unable to see evil. He will lose all he owns! He is powerless in the face of a seductress employing her charms.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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