Though Solomon had commended friendship in adversity (v. 17), yet let
not any, under pretence of being generous to their friends, be unjust
to their families and wrong them; one part of our duty must be made to
consist with another. Note, 1. It is a piece of wisdom to keep out of
debt as much as may be, especially to dread suretiship. There may be a
just occasion for a man to pass his word for his friend in his absence,
till he come to engage himself; but to be surety in the presence of his
friend, when he is upon the spot, supposes that his own word will not
be taken, he being deemed insolvent or dishonest, and then who can with
safety pass his word for him? 2. Those that are void of understanding
are commonly taken in this snare, to the prejudice of their families,
and therefore ought not to be trusted too far with their own affairs,
but to be under direction.