The Bible does teach against co-signing for friends and strangers. Here are the key Biblical verses:
My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, You are snared by the words of your own mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend.The Bible declares that most of the time you will end up having to make the payments if you co-sign for friends or strangers.
Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
(Prov. 6:1-5)
He who is surety for a stranger will suffer for it, but one who hates being surety is secure.
(Prov. 11:15)
A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend.
(Prov. 17:18)
Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
(Prov. 22:26-27)
I do believe that it is acceptable to co-sign for children if you feel they are trustworthy and responsible. Many times this is the only way that they can buy their first home or other major purchases.
Many Christians in the name of love try to help others by co-signing, are actually disobeying these Scriptures, and they usually pay the price.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.
