Title
The Financial Seductress
Scripture
Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.
(Proverbs 20:16)
Devotional
There are at best questionable business deals that rightfully require a collateral pledge. There will always be strangers who will attempt to seduce you into a questionable business, risky investment or dubious deal that will demand more than you are able to give. The warning is clear to those with whom you may seek financial aid, "get a pledge of guarantee." Lending money for a business deal is more than often as risky as any form of gambling. Investing with a stranger is even more foolish. Never use deceit to borrow or invest. Do your best not to be seduced by "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—[for this] is not of the Father but is of the world.”[1] If you cannot afford a good deal, it is not a good deal no matter how enticing it may appear at the time. It may be a seductress.