6:1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, 2 if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, 3 then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor. 4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. 5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
These verses specifically offer a formula for dealing with the ancient activity of co-signing. But they also present general counsel for addressing any bad choices – by word (:2) or deed (:1). It calls for swift action, beginning with acknowledging that I have actually done it, humble myself, face the other party, plead my cause and free myself from my predicament (:3-5).
At issue in this passage is not even a sin, just a poor decision. And the advice offered is effective for both. Admit it, humble myself, face the other party and plead my case. These verses are actually the Biblical basis of Steps 8 and 9 of the 12 Steps. And just like with the Steps, when we get honest and do our part, we can count on Him to do His part and help us out.