Study Desk

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^(a), 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^(a), like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.

A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.

Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a wayward woman^(a).

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?