A tool we hope to never use

Today’s Proverb: My son, if you have become a cosigner for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge with a stranger, if you are trapped by your own words,
ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, and free yourself, since you fell into your neighbor’s hand: Go, humble yourself, plead with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Escape like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Proverbs 6:1-5

“What was I thinking! Why did I say I’d do that!” Ever say that? I have. Too many times. And as followers of the Most High God, we know that He commands us to follow through with our commitments, especially to Him. So we’re stuck, right?

Not necessarily. In some circumstances, when we have foolishly made a promise, we can humble ourselves and plead to be released. Grovel, really. We’re to do it immediately. As soon as we realize our mistake.

Sigh. How I wish I had learned this lesson sooner. Early in our marriage, Bob and I unwisely “helped” friends by cosigning on a car loan. It went horribly. Then, a few years later, we did it again — somehow expecting a different result. Then, yes, we did it again!! And guess what. The results were the same all three times.

This passage also applies to less “legal” commitments such as giving our word to do something before checking with God, our families, our resources, etc.

Our Father in Heaven does forgive us for breaking commitments, but He’s also given us a way to learn our lesson that doesn’t have to be as uncomfortable as what Bob and I experienced. And that is to operate in His wisdom. To not be dependent upon this tool as carte blanche to our foolish behavior.

Whether we use this tool wisely or foolishly, it has its own repercussions. Especially if we use it repeatedly. It will take a toll on our credibility. Our integrity. We need to be aware of how difficult it is to regain trust. Forgiveness does not always restore trust.

Count the cost. Sometimes the loss of integrity outweighs the hassle of just following through. Suffering through it has its own merits and lessons, believe it or not. In any case, whatever the decision, we just need to be sure that we’re finally following His direction. And that’s a good thing.

May we never need to use this tool, my friends.

Proverbs 6:1-5 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs