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The book of Proverbs warns you and me and all readers against becoming liable for the financial obligations of others, saying, “If you become surety…” (Proverbs 6:1). This means being a cosigner—the one who is responsible for a debt if the borrower defaults.
Suppose a relative or friend wants to buy a car but needs additional money to make the loan payments. Then your friend or relative comes to you and asks you to cosign the note. What is the best way to handle this kind of request? Take time to think and pray and ask for advice. Don’t feel pressured by any kind of time limit. Take all the time you need before you make this kind of commitment. And if you are married, your spouse should be involved from the first minute.
Consider these reasons why you should take your time and be sure before agreeing to cosign for a someone’s loan:
The biblical approach is to discern if there is a real and legitimate need. If so, it is better to give money outright, than to become surety.
In Proverbs for a Woman’s Day, Elizabeth George takes you on a journey through the 31 chapters of Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart. Don’t guess about the next step and hope for the best. Get a clear view of the right path as you follow God’s wisdom found in the Bible.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Memorial Day heralds the beginning of summer. To students, it begins the countdown to summer vacation. Often summer schedules are hectic with family members going in every direction for sports, camps, social activities, or college preparation. Don’t let your summer get away from you!
The best way you can help lead your family is to make sure you are growing spiritually. This growth will give you the wisdom and strength you need for leading your children in the faith. You can make this happen by regular time reading the Bible (2 Timothy 3:17), finding role models to emulate (Proverbs 27:17), avoiding influences and situations where you will be tempted (1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Timothy 2.22), and choosing to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit (John 15:1-8).
No matter what you do with each day or in your life, doing anything God’s way is a matter of the heart. Whether it’s deciding how to spend your money or your time, how you treat people, how you dress, or how you accomplish your work, your choices reveal the treasure of your heart.