August 31, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 11:15  He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Most often when a person speaks or thinks about the word “surety” it is in the context of pledging the repayment of a debt by being a co-signer on a loan. This verse can certainly be applied to becoming a co-signer thereby assuring that another will pay their debt. But let’s broaden the scope of the word and consider an issue that is becoming more and more commonplace today.

Many people become surety for others by, among other things, promoting them, influencing others to believe in them, and defending them. This happens often in politics. Those who are paid to promote, influence, and defend elected officials or candidates can be understood, for they are simply earning their money and/or anticipating future favors from the elected official. However, it does not make any sense when those that do these things are ones who will never benefit from their suretiship.

Ardently, passionately, fervently, zealously, eagerly, and fanatically people invest their emotions and support for individuals, or teams, that they really know very little about. These individuals or teams will never benefit these zealots that champion them. Fights have literally broken out because of people being sure about another to the point of being willing to fight to defend them.

Being sure that a person will do all they say before they are elected, or being sure your sports team will win, is wildly insane. To be one who is known to be sure, cease the unwarranted and unwise surety for others. Loyalty is one thing and suretiship is another. Be careful to understand the difference and stay away from becoming a surety for another.

Dr. William Howe