Old Testament
Proverbs 20:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Take the garment of one who guarantees a stranger, and hold it as a pledge for a foreign woman.
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Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
What Proverbs 20:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse advises caution when making guarantees or promises for someone you do not know well, particularly in financial matters. It suggests that if you take on the responsibility of guaranteeing a loan or debt for a stranger, you should secure something valuable from them, like their garment, as a pledge. This is especially relevant when dealing with a foreign woman, implying that one should be careful in relationships and commitments with those who are unfamiliar. The underlying message is about the importance of being prudent and protecting oneself from potential loss or deceit when engaging with people outside of your immediate circle or community.
How to apply Proverbs 20:16 to your life
When considering helping someone financially or making commitments, ensure you understand the risks involved. Secure your interests by asking for collateral or guarantees. This principle can also apply to personal relationships, reminding us to be wise and discerning in our interactions with those we do not know well.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 20:16 mean?
Proverbs 20:16 advises caution when making guarantees for someone you don't know well, especially in financial matters. It suggests securing something valuable as a pledge to protect yourself from potential loss.
What is the meaning of 'garment' in Proverbs 20:16?
In Proverbs 20:16, 'garment' symbolizes something of value that can be held as collateral. It represents a way to ensure that you are protected if the person you are guaranteeing fails to meet their obligations.
How can I apply Proverbs 20:16 in my life?
You can apply Proverbs 20:16 by being cautious when helping others financially, especially if you don't know them well. Always consider securing collateral or guarantees to protect yourself.
What themes are present in Proverbs 20:16?
The themes in Proverbs 20:16 include caution in guarantees, financial responsibility, prudence in relationships, and the importance of trust and security when dealing with strangers.
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