Sayings of the Wise #3 - Establish Wise Boundaries with Debt (Pro. 22:26–27)

Greetings, Women of Wisdom!

🌿 Introduction

Money can either free us or enslave us. The way we manage it determines whether it becomes a blessing or a burden. The third saying of the wise gives us a practical caution: be careful what you commit yourself to.

The danger here is not generosity itself, but unwise commitments — especially when we guarantee someone else’s debt. What feels like kindness can quickly become a trap. God’s wisdom reminds us: true generosity blesses, but foolish entanglements bind.

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📖 The Verse (NLT)

• “Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
  If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.”
  — Proverbs 22:26–27

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✨ Explanation
To guarantee someone’s debt is to tie your financial future to their choices. If they fail, you pay the price. This proverb is not condemning generosity — it is warning against careless commitments that threaten your stability, your peace, and even your home.

Wise people learn the difference between:

• Generosity that blesses → helping without enslaving yourself.

• Foolishness that burdens → saying “yes” without considering the cost.

God wants His people free — not chained by debt.

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🌍 Real-Life Example
Picture this: you co-sign a loan for a friend who has a history of poor money management. At first, you feel proud of your kindness. But months later, the payments stop. The calls come to you. What began as an act of friendship turns into financial stress, emotional strain, and even resentment.

That’s the wisdom of Proverbs: don’t let generosity become a burden you were never meant to carry.

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When it comes to money and commitments,
how do I usually respond?

👉 Choose the one that best describes you (copy and paste your response # and sentence in the comments):

1. I handle money quietly and carefully.
   (I prefer to stay in the background with finances, avoiding risks and paying attention to details. My goal is to protect stability, build slowly, and stay out of unnecessary entanglements.)

2. I prefer kindness over strict budgeting.
   (I lean toward generosity and helping others, even if it stretches me financially. I value relationships more than rigid numbers, though at times this can place me in a bind.)

3. I move cautiously and slowly.
   (I don’t rush into financial commitments. I take my time, weighing options carefully, sometimes delaying action to ensure my decisions keep me safe and secure.)

4. I talk openly about money with others.
   (I’m comfortable discussing finances, whether sharing ideas, asking questions, or giving advice. I see openness as a way to learn, grow, and avoid hidden traps.)

5. I take charge of financial decisions.
   (I like being in control, leading with confidence, and setting the direction for how money is managed. I prefer to make bold moves rather than sit back and wait.)

6. I look for safe and secure options.
   (I gravitate toward choices that protect my future — savings, careful investments, and stability. I’d rather grow slowly and securely than risk losing what I have.)

7. I act boldly and take risks at times.
   (I don’t shy away from opportunities that promise growth. I’m willing to step out in faith and courage, though sometimes I need to guard against being reckless.)

8. I stay calm and steady with finances.
   (I don’t let money pressures overwhelm me. I maintain peace and patience, handling responsibilities in a steady way without panicking or rushing.)

9. I encourage and trust others with money.
   (I see finances as a way to build trust and relationships. I’m generous and supportive, often believing the best in people — though I must be careful not to be taken advantage of.)

10. I jump quickly into opportunities.
    (I get excited about financial openings and move fast to grab them. My energy helps me act decisively, but at times I need wisdom to pause and count the cost.)

11. I analyze details before deciding.
    (I’m thorough with money, carefully examining the fine print and calculating outcomes. I want to ensure every choice is wise, even if it takes more time and thought.)

12. I spend creatively or spontaneously.
    (I see money as a tool for expression and enjoyment. I use it in ways that bring color and joy to life, though I must guard against impulsive choices that could lead to regret.)
    

💬 Call to Action

Post your chosen response number and sentence in the comments below!
👉 Example: “#1 – I handle money quietly and carefully.”

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🌟 Conclusion
Debt may look harmless, but Proverbs warns: it can even take the bed from under you. To set wise boundaries with debt is to protect your freedom and your peace.

Today, remember:

• Wisdom gives, but it also guards.

• Boundaries are not selfish — they are safeguards.

• Choose generosity that blesses, but also keep wisdom that protects.

✨ May your financial steps today lead you toward freedom, not chains.

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📖 Teaser Question
Optional:   Do you think Saying #4 will point us toward heritage, land, or limits?
Share your guess in the comments! 👇

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Let's see how your response from yesterday’s question connects with the twelve temperament blends.

1. I enjoy bold and outspoken friends (Friends who speak their mind with energy and passion, stepping up with confidence while keeping things lively and engaging.)
   → 🔴 Choleric – 🟡 Sanguine

2. I value calm, steady personalities (Friends who bring peace and dependability, offering thoughtful balance and stability in every situation.)
   → 🟢 Phlegmatic – 🔵 Melancholic

3. I’m drawn to those who plan and lead (Friends who take initiative with structure and foresight, guiding with determination while thinking things through carefully.)
   → 🔴 Choleric – 🔵 Melancholic

4. I appreciate consistency more than excitement (Friends who remain reliable and even-tempered, showing quiet strength and faithfulness over time.)
   → 🔵 Melancholic – 🟢 Phlegmatic

5. I enjoy kind and reassuring people (Friends whose warmth and gentleness ease burdens, encouraging others with kindness and cheerful support.)
   → 🟢 Phlegmatic – 🟡 Sanguine

6. I’m drawn to those who inspire me emotionally (Friends who stir my heart with creativity, depth, and heartfelt expression that bring inspiration and meaning.)
   → 🟡 Sanguine – 🔵 Melancholic

7. I want supportive, encouraging people (Friends who uplift and affirm, bringing joy and calm as they stand by me with steady encouragement.)
   → 🟡 Sanguine – 🟢 Phlegmatic

8. I choose loyal and dependable ones (Friends who are unwavering in loyalty, committed in their actions, and steady in both words and deeds.)
   → 🔵 Melancholic – 🔴 Choleric

9. I look for friends who help quietly, behind the scenes (Friends who faithfully work without seeking attention, making sure things get done with quiet strength.)
   → 🟢 Phlegmatic – 🔴 Choleric

10. I like those who are creative and expressive (Friends who bring color, bold ideas, and lively expression, inspiring others through their energy and action.)
    → 🟡 Sanguine – 🔴 Choleric

11. I prefer thoughtful, wise companions (Friends who combine insight with warmth, offering wisdom and encouragement that build up the soul.)
    → 🔵 Melancholic – 🟡 Sanguine

12. I look for energy and action (Friends who combine decisive drive with steady reliability, moving forward with strength and balance.)
    → 🔴 Choleric – 🟢 Phlegmatic

📝 Keep Score: 

✨ Now it’s time to see how your response from yesterday’s question connects with your temperament blend.

✔️ If you chose both your primary and secondary temperaments
→ you earn 1 point.

✔️ If you chose only one (either primary or secondary)
→ you earn ½ point.

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🌸 Closing Thought
Each of these responses reflects a unique way God’s design shines through you. Friendship is not only about who we walk with, but how God shapes us through them. Whether bold, steady, supportive, or creative — your temperament is part of His plan. Give thanks for the way He has made you, and stay open to His refining work in your relationships.

💐 A wonderful day to you as you live in wisdom and peace!