Here we are taught, 1. In general, that we may not use our estates as
we will (he that gave them to us has reserved to himself a power to
direct us how we shall use them, for they are not our own; we are but
stewards), and further that God in his law consults our interests and
teaches us that charity which begins at home, as well as that which
must not end there. There is a good husbandry which is good divinity,
and a discretion in ordering our affairs which is part of the character
of a good man, Ps. cxii. 5. Every man must be just to his family, else
he is not true to his stewardship. 2. In particular, that we must not
enter rashly into suretiship, (1.) Because there is danger of bringing
ourselves into trouble by it, and our families too when we are gone: He
that is surety for a stranger, for any one that asks him and promises
him to be bound for him another time, for one whose person perhaps he
knows, and thinks he knows his circumstances, but is mistaken, he shall
smart for it. Contritione conteretur--he shall be certainly and sadly
crushed and broken by it, and perhaps become a bankrupt. Our Lord Jesus
was surety for us when we were strangers, nay, enemies, and he smarted
for it; it pleased the Lord to bruise him. (2.) Because he that
resolves against all such suretiship keeps upon sure grounds, which a
man may do if he take care not to launch out any further into business
than his own credit will carry him, so that he needs not ask others to
be bound for him.