I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased.  Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net. Proverbs 6:1-5 NLT

A friend encouraged me to share his story as a warning for others. His son had bought a nice new sports car. His son got his grand parents to co-sign for the loan which was several thousands of dollars. However the grand parents did not have the money for the debt, but were quite sure their grandson would be able to pay it on his own and establish his own credit. He was a very responsible young man.

Tragically, my friend’s son was hit and killed while riding a motorcycle, when he stopped by the side of the road. Not only did the family have a terrible tragedy to deal with emotionally, but the grandparents who co signed for the loan, were now in dire straits as they had to take over a car loan they had no money for. When they co-signed for their young grandson they never imagined this would happen!

Fortunately God provided. Another family member stepped forward  (Hurray for family!) and covered the loan and saved the grand parents.  My friend, who also happens to be one of my first Bible study students who I am still friends with today, wants to share his story as a warning to others who are tempted to co-sign for some one else’s debt. There are many reasons why Solomon said what he said, and this is one of them. Thank God for saving the dear grand parents from this terrible ordeal.