Put It in Writing!

“THE house was not in the best condition,” recalls Frank.a “But, with a heating system, some bathroom tile and maybe a little decorating work here and there, it could be made livable.” So when Frank’s friend Dave said he’d be willing to do the necessary work, Frank was happy to let him and his family move in. Frank is sure Dave agreed to pay a nominal rent.

Dave, on the other hand, remembers no such agreement. In his view the house was “gutted and unlivable.” After spending hundreds of dollars to fix it up, Dave resented Frank’s pressing him to pay rent. “I felt in my heart that I really did not owe Frank any money,” confessed Dave.

While greed may be at the heart of many a dispute, not so in this case. There was no lease, no written agreement​—nothing but two conflicting recollections. “Something in writing might have prevented this whole problem from occurring,” bemoaned Frank.

In view of the great number of lawsuits, even when there are written documents, one might wonder if it is worth the trouble to sign agreements. In the United States, for example, lawsuits have become such a way of life that recently The Wall Street Journal spoke of a “litigation explosion.” This, then, is all the more reason for you to protect your interests by putting legal agreements in writing. ‘But is it really necessary when dealing with friends?’ you may ask.

At times, normally businesslike people take dangerous liberties when dealing with friends. ‘I’d be embarrassed to ask a friend to sign a contract,’ some say. But is it wise to feel this way? Suppose you hire a neighbor to paint your home’s entranceway. He may misunderstand certain details. “Entranceway” to you encompasses steps, porch and doors, while to him it means only “doorway.” And what if he uses the wrong color paint? Surely it is better kindly to insist on putting the deal in writing! No mistrust is implied​—just the possibility of failing memories.

For instance, if you want your neighbor friend to paint your entranceway, get together with him and work out the details. Specifically, what does “entranceway” encompass? What color? What kind of paint? When should the job be completed? At what price?

“He Has Sworn to What Is Bad for Himself”

Sometimes the most judicious of people find themselves locked into an undesirable agreement. Some break their word rather than suffer a loss. Yet the Bible commends the person who has “sworn to what is bad for himself, and yet he does not alter.” (Psalm 15:4) This means being willing to accept the consequences of your bad agreement​—chalking it up to experience.

However, there is some recourse. Note the principle embodied in Proverbs 6:1-3 according to Today’s English Version of the Bible: “Son, have you promised to be responsible for someone else’s debts? Have you been caught by your own words, trapped by your own promises? Well then, son, . . . this is how to get out of it: hurry to him, and beg him to release you.” Your persistent efforts may result in your being freed from the unwise agreement. If not, Jesus’ counsel to let your “Yes mean Yes” will likely help you accept the consequences with stoic calm.​—Matthew 5:33-37.

The Best Laid Plans . . .

Even the most meticulously worded agreement can lead to problems. “Time and unforeseen occurrence” can make it impossible to follow through on promises made with the best of intentions. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Misunderstandings can still occur. But Christian love, a sense of fairness, generosity and mutual understanding can smother the fire of contention.​—Philippians 2:3, 4.

Some Christians in the first century resorted to court litigation to settle disputes they had with fellow believers. But the Bible advises against doing so, asking: “Is it true that there is not one wise man among you that will be able to judge between his brothers?” (1 Corinthians 6:5) Likely you know a person experienced in such matters who could be of help if you cannot work out the problems on a personal basis. A neutral person, willing to look at both sides calmly and objectively, can often come up with a fresh insight. Maybe the answer lies somewhere in your contract. Interestingly, this basic approach, called arbitration in legal circles, has gained popularity, as it spares the expense, time and anxiety of a protracted court case.

We hope this information will help you avoid getting embroiled in controversy, suffering a financial loss or losing a friend. Take the time to handle matters properly​—legally. Talk matters out. Plan thoroughly. And by all means​—PUT IT IN WRITING!