Give, Don’t Loan

(Proverbs 22:27 KJV)  If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

This is the final portion of a scripture cautioning us against co-signing on loans.  Many of us had a parent do it when we were getting started in life.  Sometimes it works.  I was listening to a caller on a pod-cast and it worked the other way for him.  His mother had him and his brother co-sign on a house loan.  She then proceeded to not pay and ruined their credit.  Be really careful here.

The Bible’s recommendation is to not do it at all. 

I would treat it the way I loan money.  The person receiving the funds may consider it a loan but I consider it a gift.  That way if I never get paid back I am at ease.  If I can’t afford to lose it, I don’t “loan” it.

Again, the Bible’s says don’t do it.

So?  Expect only trouble from bankrolling people who have shown they cannot be responsible.  If it is a real need, give, don’t loan.