Proverbs 27:13
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 an adulteress.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb isn't just about financial risk; it's highlighting how foolishly entering into debt for others can strip you of everything, leaving you with nothing to protect yourself. The contrast between a "stranger" and an "adulteress" zeroes in on the particular danger of extending your security to those who are untrustworthy or destructive, warning that such poor judgment can have devastating personal consequences.
This proverb, a repeat from an earlier chapter, continues the father's passionate counsel to his son against foolishly guaranteeing another person's debt. It warns that getting entangled as surety for strangers, especially those involved in immorality, is a quick path to financial ruin and deep trouble, stripping away one's security just as easily as a garment can be taken.
Ever heard the phrase 'your word is your bond'? This verse lays out the very real, tangible cost when that bond is broken.
This proverb warns about the serious consequences of acting as a guarantor, especially for those you don't know well.
The Danger of Rash Guarantees
When you put up security for someone, you're essentially promising to pay their debt if they can't. The verse uses the imagery of taking a man's outer garment – a vital piece of clothing that provided warmth and dignity – to illustrate how serious the loss can be.
Who Are 'Strangers' and 'Adulteresses'?
These aren't just casual acquaintances. They represent individuals likely to default on their obligations. Guaranteeing for a stranger suggests a lack of careful vetting, while the mention of an 'adulteress' points to potentially morally compromised relationships that often come with financial instability and deception. The consequences are severe, impacting your livelihood and reputation.
What's the difference between a wise decision and a foolish one when it comes to financial commitments?
This verse presents a stark contrast between wise caution and foolish recklessness.
The Wise Path
Wisdom calls for prudence. It means understanding the risks involved before committing yourself to someone else's financial obligations. Protecting your own resources and reputation is part of responsible living.
The Foolish Path
The fool, on the other hand, acts impulsively. They might be swayed by pity, misplaced trust, or the desire to impress, without considering the potential fallout. The proverb paints a clear picture of the consequences: losing what is essential, symbolized by the outer garment, which could mean losing your ability to stay warm, to protect your dignity, or even your livelihood.
Understand the original words
beged · Hebrew Noun
A garment or outer cloak, representing a person’s essential protection and basic property; in legal contexts, it was often the primary collateral held for a debt.
arab · Hebrew Verb/Noun
A legal obligation or bond taken on behalf of another, representing a person's liability for a debt or promise made by a third party.
zur · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
An individual with whom one has no established relationship or covenant; a foreigner or someone outside of one's immediate circle of trust.
nokriyah · Hebrew Noun
An unfaithful woman, often referring in wisdom literature to one who engages in sexual immorality, thereby violating covenantal loyalty.
This passage is a direct repetition of Proverbs 27:13, highlighting the severe consequences of foolishly guaranteeing another's debt, especially for those who are unreliable.
Proverbs 6:1-5This passage warns directly against becoming surety for a neighbor and urges immediate action to free oneself if one has done so, reinforcing the practical danger described in Proverbs 27:13.
Romans 13:7-8While not about suretyship directly, this passage speaks to fulfilling obligations and paying debts, underscoring the importance of financial integrity that Proverbs 27:13 implicitly praises by showing the folly of compromising it.
Luke 15:13-16This parable illustrates how reckless living and poor choices, symbolized by the prodigal son squandering his inheritance, can lead to utter ruin, mirroring the financial devastation that rash suretyship can bring.
ellicottProverbs 27:13: "Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman."
(13) Take a pledge of him for a strange woman. —See above on Proverbs 20:16 ; and for “strange woman” comp. note on Proverbs 2:16 .
clarkeProverbs 27:13: "Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman."
Take his garment - The same as Proverbs 20:16 .
This proverb isn't just about financial risk; it's highlighting how foolishly entering into debt for others can strip you of everything, leaving you with nothing to protect yourself. The contrast between a "stranger" and an "adulteress" zeroes in on the particular danger of extending your security to those who are untrustworthy or destructive, warning that such poor judgment can have devastating personal consequences.
This proverb, a repeat from an earlier chapter, continues the father's passionate counsel to his son against foolishly guaranteeing another person's debt. It warns that getting entangled as surety for strangers, especially those involved in immorality, is a quick path to financial ruin and deep trouble, stripping away one's security just as easily as a garment can be taken.
This proverb, a repeat from an earlier chapter, continues the father's passionate counsel to his son against foolishly guaranteeing another person's debt. It warns that getting entangled as surety for strangers, especially those involved in immorality, is a quick path to financial ruin and deep trouble, stripping away one's security just as easily as a garment can be taken.
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"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 an adulteress." — This proverb isn't just about financial risk; it's highlighting how foolishly entering into debt for others can strip you of everything, leaving you with nothing to protect yourself. The contrast bet…
