Proverbs 20:16

16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

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Proverbs 20:16 in Other Translations

KJV

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

ESV

16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.

NLT

16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.

MSG

16 Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger; beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.

CSB

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

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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible