Proverbs 22:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou hast nothing to pay {H7999}, why should he take away {H3947} thy bed {H4904} from under thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

for if you don't have the wherewithal to pay, they will take your bed away from underneath you.

Berean Standard Bible

If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

American Standard Version

If thou hast not wherewith to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:27 delivers a stark warning against the perils of financial over-commitment, particularly in the context of suretyship. It vividly portrays the ultimate consequence of being unable to repay a debt or fulfill a guarantee: the loss of even the most fundamental necessities, symbolized by the taking away of one's bed. This rhetorical question underscores the profound personal humiliation and destitution that result from imprudent financial decisions, urging listeners to exercise extreme caution before pledging their resources for another.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger collection known as the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which offers practical wisdom for daily living, ethical conduct, and prudent decision-making. Specifically, Proverbs 22:27 immediately follows a direct admonition against becoming surety for a neighbor's debt in [Proverbs 22:26](/proverbs/22-26 "Proverbs 22:26 - Warning Against Suretyship"). The preceding verse warns against pledging oneself for another, while verse 27 illustrates the dire outcome if such a pledge cannot be honored. This sequential placement emphasizes the gravity of the warning, moving from the act of suretyship to its potential, devastating consequences. The "Sayings of the Wise" frequently address themes of justice, wealth, poverty, and personal responsibility, making this verse a fitting illustration of the practical outworking of these principles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, debt and suretyship were common, but also fraught with risk. The "bed" (often a mat or simple sleeping pallet) was considered a fundamental necessity, and Mosaic Law provided specific protections for such items when taken as collateral. For instance, [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law Concerning Pledges") and [Deuteronomy 24:10-13](/deuteronomy/24-10 "Deuteronomy 24:10-13 - Regulations for Pledges") mandated that a person's outer garment, if taken as a pledge, must be returned by nightfall so they could sleep. However, these protections typically applied to direct loans, not necessarily to the guarantor (surety) who had willingly taken on the debt of another. The taking of one's bed, therefore, represented the absolute rock bottom of destitution, a profound loss of dignity and basic human comfort, indicating that all other assets had already been forfeited. This scenario highlights the extreme vulnerability of those who failed to meet their financial obligations, especially when acting as a guarantor.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 22:27 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Debt and Suretyship**, illustrating the ultimate, humiliating loss that can occur when one cannot meet financial obligations. The loss of one's bed symbolizes the complete deprivation of comfort, dignity, and basic living necessities, serving as a vivid deterrent. Secondly, it champions **Financial Prudence**, advising against taking on debts or guarantees that cannot be repaid. This aligns with broader biblical wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship") and [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - Dangers of Suretyship"), which consistently warn against the folly of suretyship. Finally, the rhetorical question, "why should he take away thy bed from under thee?", implies a strong emphasis on **Personal Responsibility**. It suggests that such a dire outcome is a direct result of imprudent decisions, particularly in pledging oneself for another's obligations, rather than an unforeseen misfortune.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pay (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** This primitive root signifies completeness, safety, and peace. In a financial context, it means to make amends, render, recompense, or restore. When one has "nothing to pay," it implies a complete inability to fulfill one's financial obligations, leaving no means to make good on a debt or guarantee. The lack of _shâlam_ indicates a state of brokenness and incompleteness in one's financial standing.
* **take away (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** A broad primitive root meaning "to take" in various applications, including to seize, carry away, or receive. Here, it denotes a forceful or legal seizure, emphasizing the painful reality of forfeiture. It is not a voluntary surrender but an act by a creditor or legal authority to claim what is owed, highlighting the powerlessness of the debtor.
* **bed (Hebrew, _mishkâb'_):** Derived from the verb "to lie down," this noun refers to a sleeping place, couch, or mat. Figuratively, it can also refer to sleep or even carnal intercourse. In this context, _mishkâb_ represents the most basic necessity for rest and shelter, a symbol of personal space, dignity, and the bare minimum for survival. Its seizure signifies the absolute bottom of destitution, leaving the individual with literally nothing, exposed and vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou hast nothing to pay":** This opening clause establishes the premise of the warning. It refers to a situation where an individual, likely a guarantor (surety) for another's debt, has exhausted all their resources and possesses no means to fulfill their financial obligation. The phrase "nothing to pay" underscores utter destitution and bankruptcy, a complete inability to make restitution or satisfy the demands of the creditor.
* **"why should he take away thy bed":** This is the core rhetorical question of the proverb. The "he" refers to the creditor or the one to whom the debt is owed. The question is not seeking information but is a forceful, self-evident warning. It implies that if one has foolishly entered into a commitment they cannot honor, the inevitable and logical consequence, however severe, is the forfeiture of their last remaining possessions. The "bed" here is a metaphor for the absolute last resort, the most basic and essential item.
* **"from under thee?":** This final phrase intensifies the imagery of loss and humiliation. It emphasizes the direct, personal, and complete removal of comfort and security. The bed is not just taken, but taken "from under thee," implying a sudden, forceful, and deeply personal deprivation, leaving the individual literally without a place to rest their head, stripped of dignity and basic human comfort.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 22:27 is a **Rhetorical Question**. The question "why should he take away thy bed from under thee?" is not posed to elicit an answer, but to make a forceful point: the consequence is self-evident and unavoidable if one has nothing to pay. This device engages the reader directly, prompting them to consider the gravity of financial irresponsibility. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "bed" representing not merely a piece of furniture, but the ultimate symbol of basic human necessity, comfort, dignity, and security. Its removal symbolizes complete destitution and public humiliation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Consequence-Emphasis**, as the proverb vividly illustrates the dire outcome of imprudent actions, serving as a stark warning and a deterrent against reckless financial commitments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:27, while seemingly a practical financial warning, resonates with deeper theological and thematic connections within biblical wisdom literature. It speaks to the divine order of cause and effect, where actions have consequences, and prudence is a virtue. The principle of personal responsibility, a cornerstone of biblical ethics, is strongly affirmed; one's choices in financial matters directly impact their well-being. The verse also implicitly touches on the value of justice and the plight of the poor. While the law protected the poor from losing their essential garments, this proverb highlights that self-inflicted poverty through foolish suretyship could lead to even greater deprivation, where even legal protections might not apply to a guarantor. Ultimately, it underscores God's wisdom as the foundation for practical living, where financial integrity is part of a righteous life that honors Him.

* [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship")
* [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - Danger of Suretyship")
* [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Owe No One Anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:27 delivers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient cultural contexts, offering profound guidance for financial stewardship and personal integrity in any era. It serves as a powerful admonition against the dangers of reckless financial commitments, particularly co-signing loans or guaranteeing debts for others without fully understanding the dire implications. The "bed" in our modern context might symbolize our home, our savings, our reputation, or even our peace of mind – anything foundational to our security and well-being. The proverb challenges us to live within our means, exercise extreme caution before taking on obligations for others, and cultivate a deep sense of personal responsibility for our financial decisions. It encourages foresight and prudence, reminding us that true generosity is wise and sustainable, not impulsive and ruinous. Ultimately, it calls us to trust in God's provision and wisdom, rather than relying on risky human schemes that can lead to destitution and despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beds" (essential securities or comforts) might I be risking in my current financial commitments or habits?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my understanding of generosity versus financial prudence, especially concerning helping others with their debts?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take on responsibilities or guarantees that I am not truly equipped to fulfill?**
* **How can I cultivate greater financial wisdom and personal responsibility in my daily decisions, aligning them with biblical principles?**

### FAQ
**What is "suretyship" and why is the Bible so cautious about it?**

Answer: Suretyship refers to the act of becoming a guarantor or co-signer for another person's debt. In essence, you pledge your own assets or creditworthiness to ensure that someone else's financial obligation will be met if they default. The Bible, particularly the book of Proverbs, is highly cautious about suretyship because it exposes the guarantor to significant financial risk, potentially leading to personal ruin. Proverbs like [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship") and [Proverbs 11:15](/proverbs/11-15 "Proverbs 11:15 - Dangers of Suretyship") depict the folly and danger of such commitments, warning that one could lose everything, including their basic necessities, if the primary debtor fails to pay. This caution is rooted in wisdom, encouraging personal responsibility and discouraging actions that could lead to destitution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 22:27 warns against the human folly of financial suretyship, it also subtly points to the profound theological reality of Christ's ultimate suretyship on our behalf. We, humanity, had "nothing to pay" for the immense debt of our sin against a holy God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Our spiritual "bed"—our peace, our dignity, our very lives—was forfeit, destined to be "taken away" by the just demands of the law ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Yet, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly became our surety. He took upon Himself the full weight of our spiritual debt, paying it in full through His sacrificial death on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike the human guarantor who risks losing everything, Christ, in His infinite love and power, not only paid our debt but conquered death, securing for us eternal life and an inheritance that can never be taken away ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). He is the ultimate guarantor, whose perfect payment ensures that we will never lose our spiritual "bed" of peace with God, but rather gain eternal rest in His presence ([Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Jesus, the Guarantor of a Better Covenant")).

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 20:16

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

2 Kings 4:1

¶ Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

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.