March 31, 2015

Finances & Friendship

by Rechell Williams (author's profile)

Transcription

March 2015

Finances and Friendship
Is there a limit to friendship? Well, according to scripture in Proverbs, there is when it comes to finances.

Only the hardest of hearts wants to see anyone suffer from a lack of life's necessities. Most of us want to be thought of as having kind hearts and willing hearts. Many have given more than their share of goods and finances without thinking of the cost to them personally. What seemed wise, in the final analysis was not. So... we come to a verse that gets to the idea of giving into context for us.

"A man lacking in sense (heart) pledges (lit. shares hands)/And becomes guaranter in the presence of his neighbor." Now, let's break that down.

This foolishness here is making one's self responsible for another's debt and pledging to pay if the other defaults. While there is a precedent for such a practice, it is far better to give to those we need or lend without interest. It's foolish for a person to place their name on a contract unless they know for certain the character and financial resources of the other person. So... there is indeed a limit to friendship.

With good intentions and the desire to be liked, we foolhardily shake hands or make a pledge for someone who cannot or will not honor their word. It is foolish to give our word and promise to fulfill any contract simply to be liked or considered a friend. In the end, the hand shaker is obligated to fulfill the pledge, adding one more of life's lessons to his roladex.

How do I know, you may ask? Well, I just experienced it here in prison.

Rechell Williams #V69138
P.O. Box 5248 A3-17-5
Corcoran, CA 93212

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