Proverbs 20:16

16 Take his garment,^[a] for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.^[b]

Proverbs 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:16

Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger
Which a man is cautioned against, ( Proverbs 6:1 ) ; but if a man will be so weak and foolish, others ought to take care of him, and be cautious how they trust him; for he is in danger of being ruined by his suretyship, and therefore nothing should be lent him without a pledge, without a proper security; for though it was not lawful to take the garment of a poor man for a pledge, at least it was not to be kept after sunset, ( Exodus 22:26 ) ; yet it was right to take such a man's garment who had or would be thought to have such an abundance as to be surety for a stranger. Some think these words are to be taken as a prophecy of what would be the case of such a man that is a surety for a stranger; in the issue he will be stripped of all he has, and have not a coat to put on. It has been applied to our Lord Jesus Christ, who became a surety for such who were foreigners and strangers, and aliens from the commonwealth of Israel; and who had the garment of his human nature taken from him and which was a pledge and ransom for the sins of his people; and take a pledge of him for a strange woman;
a harlot; such as have to do with lewd women are not to be trusted; for they are in a fair way for ruin, and therefore should not be intrusted with anything without a pledge; all in connection with such creatures lose their credit; it is dangerous having any concern with them in trade for they are liable to be brought to a piece of bread; and therefore persons should be cautious how they trade with them, and should observe to secure themselves.

Proverbs 20:16 In-Context

14 "It's worthless, it's worthless!" the buyer says, but after he is on his way, he gloats.

15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.

16 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.

17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is full of gravel.

18 Finalize plans through counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.

Footnotes

• [a] A debtor's outer garment held as collateral; Dt 24:12-13,17; Jb 22:6
• [b] Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 27:13