In a world where unpaid debt was handled mafia-style, to cosign on someone's behalf to a loan-shark was dangerous business. That's true even today. But the loan-sharks now aren't just the shady ones in the shadows, but they are the ones in every strip mall that are represented by bright signs on their buildings, and slick advertising. They are the predatory lenders who target the poor and capitalize on their hard times. They are the ones who are more than happy to loan money to someone who needs it, but at exorbitant interest. When a family member or close friend is in a bind with a proposition to cosign for a loan like that, it would be better to just give them the money outright. Be careful not to enable though, and most of all-- don't get caught in someone else's snare. The writer of the Proverbs repeatedly teaches us that.
Readings: Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 11:15
