Proverbs 17:18-20 (ESV)
18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge
and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.
19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife;
he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good,
and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
Although it’s important to be a good friend, it’s foolish to guarantee a creditor that another will pay back loaned money. Putting yourself in the position of needing to pay off your friend’s debt if she defaults is unwise. The person who seeks to elevate herself above her neighbors, building a high door, is also unwise, as God opposes those who are prideful. The woman with a twisted heart is betrayed by her ungodly speech. To promote herself, she lies about others, tearing down people with her words. By trashing the reputation of others, she believes she will be lifted up. But in the end, the one who disparages her neighbors betrays the darkness of her heart. Your words are the thermometer of your heart. Based on what you’ve said in the last week, is your heart warm or cold? If you don’t like the answer, ask God to change you from the inside out.