Proverbs 22:27

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Proverbs 22:27 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:27

If thou hast nothing to pay
When the debtor this, and the creditor demands the debt of the surety: it is weakness in a man to be a surety for another, when he knows he is not able to pay the debt he is bound for, since it may be an injury to himself and family; but it is a piece of wickedness to engage for the payment of a debt, in case of insolvency, which he knows he is not able to answer; for this is deceiving and imposing upon the creditor; and therefore it is no wonder, being provoked by such ill usage, if he goes to extremity, as follows: why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
as in all likelihood he will, being irritated by such a conduct; and as he might, notwithstanding the law in ( Exodus 22:26 Exodus 22:27 ) ; for that respects a pledge, and not a debt; and raiment pledged, the covering of a man when in bed, and not the bed itself; for even wife and children might be taken for debt, ( 2 Kings 4:1 ) ( Matthew 18:25 ) . This is said to deter from suretyship, especially in such circumstances; since a man may bring himself into such a condition as not to have a bed to lie on; yea, to have it taken from under him when upon it; and be turned out from house and home, naked and destitute.

Proverbs 22:27 In-Context

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.