6 My child,^[a] if you have put up security for a friend’s debt
    or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—
² if you have trapped yourself by your agreement
    and are caught by what you said—
³ follow my advice and save yourself,
    for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy.
Now swallow your pride;
    go and beg to have your name erased.
⁴ Don’t put it off; do it now!
    Don’t rest until you do.