Honour – the Power to Say No!
Pastor Wesley & Yajhna Sing · 2 min read
“My son, if you have become surety (guaranteed a debt or obligation) for your neighbor, If you have given your pledge for [the debt of] a stranger or another [outside your family], If you have been snared with the words of your lips, If you have been trapped by the speech of your mouth, Do this now, my son, and release yourself [from the obligation]; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor [to pay his debt and release you]. Give no [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Tear yourself away like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
This is a clear warning to us, never put yourself out there to be a surety for someone else. Let me give you an example, someone comes to you and asks you will you sign surety for them as they have a bad credit record so they are not able to sign for a vehicle or a house or whatever it is. They are so convincing and put you under so much emotional pressure that you feel guilty. You have the right to say no. No is a sentence. You do not have to explain any more.
The bank or institution refused to take on the risk so why would you decide to put this burden on you. If they fail to fulfill their commitment, the responsibility for the debt falls on you and you will have to pay the full debt. The bible warns us about this so I suggest strongly that you heed this warning. Do not stand guarantor for anyone or you are putting yourself at risk.
From the November 2024 issue, themed RELENTLESS IN MY DECISION TO SHOW HONOUR.
