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.

Proverbs 20:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
English Standard Version (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.
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger; beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge [that is surety] for foreigners.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger's loan, and hold responsible the person who makes a loan on behalf of a foreigner.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 Take his garment, for he has put up security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for foreigners.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 Take the coat of one who puts up money for what a stranger owes. Hold it until you get paid back if he does it for a woman who commits adultery.

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 no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

Cross References 2

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