In this passage, we find both the grace of God and the wisdom of God. It is the grace of God to warn us against foolish practices like agreeing to become a surety for another. God’s warning is a preemptive warning. It is a warning that comes before the mistake is made and the harm is done. It has been said that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. But anyone who has ever suffered pain from making terrible mistakes knows this adage to be foolish. The only way that we can see a preemptive warning like what God provides in this passage is to also recognize the wisdom of God. It really is foolish to enter into a suretiship, whether you are the surety or the one seeking the help of a surety. The borrower becomes servant to the lender, and the weight and strain of debt can become monstrous. But, sadly, many consider this very practical passage to be neither grace nor wisdom, or they ignore it altogether. What about you? Do your finances reflect the fact that you consider these words to be gracious and wise? The good news is this – God ‘s grace is not just preemptive. It also covers the mistakes of the past. If you are wallowing in a slough of debt and bad financial decisions of the past, don’t drown. Look to God’s very practical wisdom and grace to help you overcome.