New Living Translation
Proverbs 11:15
15There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
Proverbs 11:15 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
- New International Version (NIV)Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
- New King James Version (NKJV)He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure.
Context of Proverbs 11:15
13A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. 14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt. 16A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Read all of Proverbs 11Proverbs 11:15 word by word
רַע־יֵ֭רוֹעַ כִּי־עָ֣רַב זָ֑ר וְשֹׂנֵ֖א תֹקְעִ֣ים בּוֹטֵֽחַ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 11:15
- Proverbs 6:1My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—
- Proverbs 17:18It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
- Proverbs 20:16Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.
- Proverbs 22:26Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
Commentaries on Proverbs 11:15
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it - He shall find evil upon evil in it. See on Proverbs 6:1; (note).Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 15See the marginal reference. The play upon “sure” and “suretiship” in the the King James Version (though each word is rightly rendered) has nothing corresponding to it in the Hebrew, and seems to have originated in a desire to give point to the proverb.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15Verse 15 The welfare of our families, our own peace, and our ability to pay just debts, must not be brought into danger. But here especially let us consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in becoming Surety even for enemies.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 15This message appears in Proverbs 6:1–5, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26, and 27:13.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1515. (Compare Pr 6:1). suretiship--(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 11:15
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 11
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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