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The principles of domestic, social, and political economy in the Bible are far more wise, as well as righteous, than can be found in human book or periodical.

I. SURETYSHIP AS AN EVIL TO BE DEPLORED. "If thou be surety"; as if he had said, "It is a sad thing if thou hast." It is not, however, always an evil. There are two things necessary to render it justifiable.

1. The case should be deserving.

2. You should be fully competent to discharge the obligation. But the most deserving men will seldom ask for suretyships, and the most competent men will seldom undertake the responsibility.

II. SURETYSHIP AS AN EVIL VERY EASILY CONTRACTED. Merely "striking the hand," and uttering the "words." One word, the word "Yes," will do it, written or uttered in the presence of a witness. Plausibility will soon extract it from a pliant and generous nature.

III. SURETYSHIP AS AN EVIL TO BE STRENUOUSLY REMOVED. "Deliver thyself."

1. Do it promptly. Try by every honest means to get the bond back again.

2. Do it beseechingly. "Humble thyself." It is no use to carry a high hand; thou art in his power.

3. Do it effectively. Thou art encaged in iron law; break loose honourably somehow, and be free.

(D. Thomas, D.D.)

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KJV: My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

WEB: My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;