Proverbs 17:18

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about co-signing: 

Proverbs 17:18 (NASBStr)

A man lacking in sense pledges

And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 17:18 (ESV)

One who lacks sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

The concept of co-signing has been around for many years.  As you can see from the above proverb we see Solomon telling how senseless and how much it shows folly in the soul to co-sign for someone.   In this proverb Solomon seems, again, to be pointing out the folly in co-signing for someone who is your neighbor or friend.  He describes this as "lacking sense."   True wisdom doesn't lead us to cover for someone else in regard to financial responsibilities.  When we pledge to cover for someone we don't know or know that we can trust we fail to demonstrate true wisdom.   Wisdom is being full of sense.   Lacking sense is counter to wisdom.   When we are full of wisdom we are able to discern that foolishness and folly are in the realm of guarantor activity.  Solomon lived in a day when others needed credit and would ask them to guarantee their debts.   Many times Solomon must have observed those who co-signed for another brought into debtor's court to pay or be taken away into bounds.   True wisdom doesn't not co-sign for others.