Proverbs 20:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} his garment {H899} that is surety {H6148} for a stranger {H2114}: and take a pledge {H2254} of him for a strange woman {H5237}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Seize his clothes, because he guaranteed a stranger's loan; take them as security for that unknown woman.

Berean Standard Bible

Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.

American Standard Version

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:16 offers a stark warning against the perils of financial recklessness and association with morally compromised individuals. It advises immediate and firm action to secure collateral from anyone who foolishly acts as a surety for an unknown person, or from one whose poor judgment is evidenced by entanglement with an adulterous woman. The proverb underscores the vital importance of prudence, discernment, and self-protection in a world where irresponsible actions can lead to severe personal and financial ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20:16 is situated within a collection of individual proverbs, often presented as couplets or short aphorisms, that offer practical wisdom for daily living. This particular verse falls within a broader section of the book (roughly [Proverbs 10](/proverbs/10 "Proverbs 10 - Sayings of Solomon") through [Proverbs 22](/proverbs/22 "Proverbs 22 - More Sayings of Solomon")) that primarily contains "the proverbs of Solomon." These sayings frequently address themes of justice, righteousness, diligence, speech, and financial prudence. The immediate verses surrounding [Proverbs 20:16](/proverbs/20-16 "Proverbs 20:16 - Warning Against Surety") continue to explore aspects of wisdom, folly, and the consequences of one's actions, such as the deceitfulness of ill-gotten gain ([Proverbs 20:17](/proverbs/20-17 "Proverbs 20:17 - Deceitful Bread")) or the importance of seeking counsel ([Proverbs 20:18](/proverbs/20-18 "Proverbs 20:18 - Wise Counsel")). The warning against surety is a recurring motif in Proverbs, appearing in passages like [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Surety") and [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - Consequences of Surety"), indicating its significant practical concern for the ancient Israelite.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, financial transactions often relied on personal pledges and guarantees rather than formal institutions. Becoming a "surety" (guaranteeing another's debt) was a common but extremely risky practice. A person's garment was a significant possession, often serving as collateral or a pledge, especially for the poor. While Mosaic Law ([Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law on Pledges")) prohibited keeping a poor person's garment overnight as a pledge, Proverbs 20:16 speaks to a different scenario—taking a pledge from someone who has already demonstrated severe irresponsibility by becoming surety for a stranger. This indicates a desperate measure to secure what is owed. The "strange woman" (or "foreign woman") was a cultural archetype in Proverbs, not necessarily an ethnic foreigner, but a woman who was morally outside the covenant community, typically an adulteress or seductress. Her influence was understood to lead to ruin, often financial, social, and spiritual, as depicted in passages like [Proverbs 7:6-27](/proverbs/7-6 "Proverbs 7:6-27 - The Seductive Woman"). The proverb thus reflects a society where personal integrity and sound judgment were paramount for economic stability and social well-being.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it strongly emphasizes **Financial Prudence and Responsibility**, warning against the dangers of reckless financial commitments, particularly co-signing or guaranteeing debts for unreliable individuals. The advice to take a pledge highlights the need for self-protection against the folly of others. Secondly, it addresses the theme of **Moral Discernment and Character Assessment**. The "stranger" and "strange woman" represent archetypes of individuals whose lack of integrity and poor judgment make them high risks. The proverb implicitly teaches that moral failings often correlate with financial irresponsibility. Thirdly, it underscores the **Consequences of Folly**, illustrating how engaging with or vouching for the foolish inevitably leads to negative outcomes. The wisdom literature consistently portrays a universe where actions have direct consequences, and this verse serves as a practical guide to avoiding self-inflicted harm by associating with the imprudent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Surety (Hebrew, _ʻârab'_):** This word (H6148) means "to braid" or "intermix," and by extension, "to give security" or "to be responsible for." In the context of financial transactions, it refers to guaranteeing a debt or obligation for someone else. The act of being a surety was a significant commitment in ancient times, often leading to personal ruin if the debtor defaulted. The proverb's use of this term highlights the gravity of such a pledge and the extreme risk involved when the person being vouched for is a "stranger."
* **Pledge (Hebrew, _châbal'_):** This term (H2254) literally means "to bind" or "to wind tightly," and specifically refers to taking something as security for a debt. It implies a legal or customary right to seize collateral when an obligation is not met. The instruction to "take a pledge" underscores the urgency and necessity of securing assets from an individual whose financial and moral judgment is so clearly compromised.
* **Strange Woman (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** The word (H5237) means "strange," "foreign," or "alien," and in this context, refers to a woman who is morally "strange" or outside the bounds of righteous conduct, typically an adulteress or a seductress. Her association with the person for whom a pledge is taken signifies a profound lack of moral character and judgment, reinforcing the idea that such an individual is a high financial risk and should not be trusted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger:"** This clause instructs the wise to immediately seize collateral—specifically, the garment—from someone who has foolishly guaranteed a debt for a "stranger." The "stranger" here is not necessarily an ethnic foreigner, but someone unknown or unreliable, whose character is questionable. The act of becoming surety for such a person demonstrates extreme naiveté or poor judgment on the part of the surety, making them a high-risk individual from whom one must protect oneself by securing a tangible asset like a garment, which was often a primary possession and form of collateral in ancient times.
* **"and take a pledge of him for a strange woman."** The second clause reinforces the first by presenting another scenario demanding immediate collateral. It advises taking a pledge from a man who is entangled with a "strange woman"—an adulteress or seductress. This association indicates a profound moral failing and a lack of self-control, which the proverb implies will inevitably lead to financial ruin. The wisdom here is that those who lack moral discipline are often also financially irresponsible, and dealing with such individuals requires stringent protective measures.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:16 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, rather than merely repeating it. Here, both clauses deal with the necessity of taking collateral from an unreliable person, with the second clause adding the specific moral failing of association with a "strange woman" as further evidence of that unreliability. This creates a cumulative effect, strengthening the warning. **Metonymy** is also present, as "garment" and "pledge" stand in for the broader concept of securing collateral or assets to mitigate risk. Furthermore, the "stranger" and "strange woman" function as **Archetypes** or **Symbolic** figures representing folly, recklessness, and moral decay, allowing the proverb to communicate universal truths about character and consequence through specific, culturally relevant examples. The direct, imperative tone ("Take...") adds to the proverb's force and urgency, making it a clear command for prudent action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb, while seemingly focused on financial prudence, delves into deeper theological themes concerning wisdom, righteousness, and the nature of human relationships. It highlights God's expectation for His people to live with discernment and integrity, not only in their personal conduct but also in their interactions with others. The warning against foolish surety and entanglement with the "strange woman" reflects a divine order where reckless actions, whether financial or moral, inevitably lead to detrimental consequences. It implicitly teaches that true wisdom, which comes from God, involves understanding the character of others and protecting oneself from the destructive paths of folly and sin. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on stewardship, personal responsibility, and avoiding the snares of the wicked, underscoring that our choices have far-reaching implications for our well-being and our witness.

* [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Surety") - "My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler."
* [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - Consequences of Surety") - "He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure."
* [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "Proverbs 7:26-27 - The Strange Woman's Victims") - "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 20:16 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its ancient context, speaking powerfully to the need for discernment and self-protection in all our dealings. In a world where financial entanglements are common and moral boundaries are often blurred, this proverb serves as a vital safeguard. It challenges us to critically assess the character of those we associate with, particularly in matters of finance or deep personal connection. The principle is clear: if someone demonstrates a pattern of irresponsibility—whether through foolish financial guarantees or by engaging in destructive relationships—it is prudent to protect your own resources and well-being from their inevitable downfall. This doesn't necessarily mean being cynical, but rather exercising the wisdom God provides to avoid becoming a victim of another's folly. It calls us to cultivate a keen sense of discernment, recognizing that poor moral judgment often walks hand-in-hand with financial recklessness, and to act decisively to secure our own integrity and assets.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting as a "surety" for someone whose character or reliability is questionable, whether financially, emotionally, or relationally?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my assumptions about generosity versus wisdom in financial dealings with others?**
* **What are the "strange women" or "strangers" in my modern context—the influences or associations that signal a lack of sound judgment and could lead to my own detriment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better protect my resources and well-being from the consequences of others' irresponsible choices, while still maintaining a spirit of compassion?**

### FAQ

**Why was taking a garment as a pledge so significant in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, a garment was often a poor person's most valuable possession, serving as both clothing and a covering at night. Mosaic Law, specifically [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law on Pledges"), stipulated that if a garment was taken as a pledge, it had to be returned by sunset so the owner could sleep in it. However, Proverbs 20:16 speaks to a different scenario: taking a garment as a pledge from someone who is already demonstrating extreme financial and moral irresponsibility (by being surety for a stranger or being involved with a "strange woman"). In this context, the garment represents a necessary and immediate form of collateral, a desperate measure to secure what is owed or to protect oneself from inevitable loss due to the surety's demonstrated folly. It signifies that the person is such a high risk that even this essential item must be secured.

**Who is the "strange woman" mentioned in Proverbs, and why is she significant?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _nokrîy_) in Proverbs, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 7:5](/proverbs/7-5 "Proverbs 7:5 - Warning Against the Strange Woman"), does not primarily refer to an ethnic foreigner. Instead, she is an archetype of a woman who is morally "strange" or outside the covenant community's ethical boundaries. She is typically an adulteress, a seductress, or a promiscuous woman whose influence leads to ruin, often financial, social, and spiritual. Her significance lies in her representation of illicit and destructive relationships that promise pleasure but deliver bitterness and death ([Proverbs 5:3-11](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-11 - The Perils of Adultery")). The proverb connects association with such a woman to a profound lack of judgment and character, indicating that a man entangled with her is a high financial risk, reinforcing the need for immediate collateral.

**How does this ancient proverb apply to modern financial practices like co-signing loans or guarantees?**

Answer: Proverbs 20:16 offers timeless wisdom directly applicable to modern financial practices. The principle of "surety for a stranger" directly translates to co-signing loans, guaranteeing debts, or providing collateral for others, especially those whose financial habits or character are unknown or questionable. The proverb warns that such actions are extremely risky and can lead to personal financial ruin. It encourages extreme caution and discernment, suggesting that if one must engage in such a transaction, it is wise to secure substantial collateral or to avoid the entanglement altogether. The connection to the "strange woman" further emphasizes that poor moral choices often correlate with poor financial judgment, urging us to be wary of individuals who exhibit patterns of irresponsibility in any area of their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:16, with its stark warning against foolish surety and entanglement with destructive influences, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the perils of human folly and the need for earthly collateral, Christ becomes the ultimate and perfect **Surety** for humanity, guaranteeing a debt we could never pay. He did not merely take a garment, but gave His very life as the "pledge" for our sin, as described in [Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Christ, the Surety of a Better Covenant"), where He is called "the surety of a better covenant." Unlike the unreliable "stranger" or the destructive "strange woman" of the proverb, Christ is the embodiment of perfect wisdom and unwavering faithfulness ([1_corinthians/1-30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). He warns His followers against spiritual "strange women"—idolatry, false teachings, and the allure of the world that leads to spiritual ruin ([Revelation/2-20-23](/revelation/2-20 "Revelation 2:20-23 - Warning to Thyatira")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has "canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands" ([Colossians/2-13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness in Christ")), becoming the one who takes away the sin of the world, making us secure not by demanding a pledge from us, but by giving Himself as the ultimate pledge. Thus, the wisdom of Proverbs points to the one who perfectly fulfills its principles and offers eternal security where human prudence falls short.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:13

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

Exodus 22:26

If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:

Exodus 22:27

For that [is] his covering only, it [is] his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I [am] gracious.

Proverbs 22:26

¶ Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.

Proverbs 22:27

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Proverbs 11:15

¶ He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Proverbs 7:10

And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.