Together in Christ: 'Avoid Money Misunderstandings!' — Proverbs 11:15

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

There's danger in putting up security for a stranger's debt; it's safer not to guarantee another person's debt.
— Proverbs 11:15 NLT

Key Thought

Money misunderstandings break up families, friends, business partners, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Not only is "the love of money the root of all kinds of evil," [1] but putting up security or lending money to others possibly can lead to disastrous misunderstandings. When we help someone, those possible misunderstandings can be avoided by remembering Jesus' teaching about loving and helping others without expecting a return. [2] Yesterday's relationship devotional warned against any ongoing debt to anyone other than the debt we have to love them. Today's proverb warns not to secure a stranger's debt. If we ignore this principle and forget Jesus' teaching about lending, [2] we can put ourselves in danger. If we choose not to get into the lending and borrowing game with others, we must find other ways to help those in need so our choice isn't interpreted as a lack of concern. We must avoid potentially untenable and unhealthy financial obligations that can lead to misunderstandings. We must keep these kinds of financial debts out of our relationships [3] with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we help others, we do so to bless and restore them, not to make them indebted to us! [4]

[1] 1 Timothy 6:10.
[2] Luke 6:32-35.
[3] Proverbs 22:7.
[4] Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 3:27-28; Matthew 5:42.

Today's Prayer

Father, guide my heart and give me the wisdom to know best how to help others in need and avoid getting into financial agreements with them that place one or the other of us under any ongoing obligation other than to love each other. Father, I appreciate the example of generosity in the early church — a generosity offered without expectation or obligation. Please open my heart to understand how best to help my needy brothers and sisters. In Jesus' name, I ask for this guidance. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Matthew 5:42; Deuteronomy 15:7
  • Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Exodus 22:5

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 11:15 NLT — There's danger in putting up security for a stranger's debt; it's safer not to guarantee another person's debt.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.