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The surety. The sluggard. The worthless person.

I. THE SURETY. The young man, finding his neighbour in monetary difficulties, consents in an easy-going way to become his surety; enters into a solemn pledge with the creditor, probably a Phoenician money-lender. He now stands committed. His peace of mind and his welfare depend no longer upon himself, but upon the character, the weakness, the caprice, of another. A young man who has so entangled himself is advised to spare no pains, and to let no false pride prevent his securing release from his obligation. There may, however, be cases in which a true brotherliness will require us to be surety for our friend. Ecclesiasticus says: "An honest man is surety for his neighbour, but he that is impudent will forsake him." If we can afford to be a surety for our neighbour, we can clearly afford to lend him the money ourselves. A miserable chain thoughtlessness in the matter of suretyship may forge for the thoughtless.

II. THE SLUGGARD. Poverty and ruin must eventually overtake him. In every community there is a certain number of people who are constitutionally incapable. Examples of insect life are brought to teach and stimulate human beings.

III. THE WORTHLESS CHARACTER. His heart is as deceitful as his lips: he cannot be true on any terms. This kind of man is the pest of commerce; the bane of every social circle; the leaven of hypocrisy and malice in the Christian Church.

(R. F. Horton, 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;