Proverbs 20:16

16 Take his garment, for he has given security [to] a stranger, and on behalf of a foreigner--take it as pledge.

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 "Bad, bad," the buyer will say, but [when] one goes to him, then he will boast.
15 There is gold and many costly stones, but precious jewels are lips of knowledge.
16 Take his garment, for he has given security [to] a stranger, and on behalf of a foreigner--take it as pledge.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet for the man, but afterward, his mouth will be filled [with] gravel.
18 A plan will be established by advice, and with guidance make war.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.