Thou Shall Never Co-sign

When you look back at something that happened in the past, it is much easier to see how something could have been prevented or done differently… especially, when you have more of the facts AFTER the event. That’s called hindsight.

When you have the ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future, it is easy make wise decisions. That’s called foresight.

A great quote that speaks to both says:

Hindsight explains the injury that foresight would have prevented.

You probably already know this; however, I have proven through my own foolish decisions that common sense is not always common. For we do not always heed our own advice, let alone the advice of the wisest man who ever walked this earth.

I found it interesting to read these insights on “co-signing” by King Solomon. He says:

“My child, have you promised to be responsible for someone else’s (your neighbor’s) debts? Have you been caught by your own words, trapped by your own promises? Well then, my child, you are in that person’s power, but this is how to get out of it: hurry to him, and beg him to release you. Don’t let yourself go to sleep or even stop to rest. Get out of the trap like a bird or a deer escaping from a hunter.” ~  Proverbs 6:1-5

My take on what Solomon is saying is: “Never co-sign for anyone. Not even for your family members. I don’t care how much you love them or feel that you owe them.”

Why?

Because you never know what true level of commitment (many times financial) you’re making. Essentially, you could be responsible for the ENTIRE debt!

Just imagine having co-signed for someone’s car or apartment and they stop making payments. And now you’re on the hook for THOUSANDS of dollars. It’s more than likely that you’ll get a call from the financing company or landlord before you hear from… your ‘neighbor’.

This wisdom of Proverbs says that if you do happen to co-sign, then you better beg, plead, scratch, claw, cry, and nag your neighbor to the “point of exhaustion” to try and get yourself out of this mess.

You’re better off and your neighbor will be better off by just giving them what you know you can give versus signing alongside them on the dotted line.

So, in the words of Smokey aka Chris Tucker in the movie Friday… “don’t you ever ever ever ever ever ever ever EVER” co-sign for ANY (not momma, daddy, sister, brother, son, daughter, cousin, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, boyfriend, girlfriend, your boy, your girl, your homie, etc.) ONE! Take the time [minutes, hour(s), day(s)] to think thru what you can give and just give that.

If nothing else, pray this prayer: “Lord, as much as I desire to be more generous, please give me the courage to take say “No” when asked to co-sign for my ‘neighbor’. In Jesus name, Amen!”