Proverbs 27:13

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 him 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 a foreign woman.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:13 offers a stark warning about the dangers of associating with and extending credit to individuals who demonstrate profound lack of judgment, both financially and morally. It advises a prudent and protective stance, urging the wise to secure collateral from those who recklessly guarantee the debts of unknown persons or who are entangled with morally compromising individuals. This counsel underscores the importance of discernment and safeguarding one's resources from the inevitable fallout of another's folly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within the "further proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah" (Proverbs 25-29), a collection emphasizing practical wisdom for daily life, social interactions, and ethical conduct. It follows proverbs concerning the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency, and it precedes warnings about self-control and the perils of flattery. The theme of financial prudence, particularly concerning suretyship, is a recurring motif throughout the book of Proverbs, often appearing alongside warnings against sexual immorality, highlighting how both can lead to ruin. This verse specifically links these two areas of folly, suggesting a common thread of recklessness in character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, financial transactions often lacked formal banking institutions, relying instead on personal guarantees and pledges. Suretyship (guaranteeing another's debt) was a common, yet frequently warned against, practice (e.g., [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warnings Against Suretyship")). A "garment" was a common and significant item used as a pledge, as it was often a person's most valuable possession, essential for warmth and dignity. Mosaic Law even stipulated that a garment taken as a pledge must be returned by nightfall to ensure the poor person's survival (e.g., [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law Regarding Pledged Garments")). The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _nokriyah_ or _zarah_) is a pervasive symbol in Proverbs, representing not merely a foreign woman, but more profoundly, an adulteress, a harlot, or anyone who leads one away from the path of wisdom and righteousness, often resulting in moral, social, and financial devastation, as vividly depicted in [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Seduction of the Strange Woman").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 27:13 powerfully contributes to the book's overarching themes of **wisdom versus folly**, **prudence in financial dealings**, and **moral discernment**. It highlights the critical importance of **character assessment**, suggesting that an individual's willingness to act as "surety for a stranger" or their entanglement with a "strange woman" are clear indicators of poor judgment and unreliability. The proverb implicitly teaches that **protecting one's assets** and well-being necessitates avoiding deep commitments with those who consistently demonstrate such reckless behavior, emphasizing that folly in one area of life often signals folly in others. This counsel serves as a practical guide for navigating social and economic relationships with discernment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies an active, decisive, and intentional action. The wisdom literature often uses imperative verbs to convey direct, actionable advice, and "take" here implies a necessary and prudent measure to secure oneself against potential loss. It is not merely a suggestion but a strong recommendation for proactive self-protection.
* **Surety (Hebrew, _ʻârab'_):** From H6148, a primitive root meaning "to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)." This word describes the act of becoming a guarantor for another's debt or obligation. In Proverbs, acting as surety, especially for an unknown or unreliable person ("a stranger"), is consistently portrayed as a highly dangerous and foolish undertaking that jeopardizes one's own financial stability and well-being.
* **Strange woman (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** From H5237, meaning "strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)." While literally meaning "foreign" or "alien," in the context of Proverbs, this term primarily symbolizes an adulteress, a harlot, or any woman who leads one astray from the covenant path of righteousness and wisdom. Her influence is depicted as destructive, leading to moral decay, financial ruin, and spiritual death, contrasting sharply with the life-giving path of wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger":** This clause directly advises the reader to demand collateral (a garment) from a person who has foolishly guaranteed the debt of an unknown individual. The act of being "surety for a stranger" indicates a profound lack of discernment and financial recklessness, making such a person an unreliable associate. The garment, being a vital possession, serves as a tangible security against the high risk posed by such a person's poor judgment.
* **"and take a pledge of him for a strange woman":** This second clause reiterates the need for security, but now the reason shifts to the individual's entanglement with a "strange woman." This connection implies that a person who is morally compromised through association with an adulteress or immoral woman is equally unreliable and poses a significant financial risk. The "strange woman" symbolizes a path of moral and financial ruin, and involvement with her suggests a character flaw that warrants caution and the securing of a pledge.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:13 employs several literary devices to convey its sharp wisdom. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses, where both "surety for a stranger" and "for a strange woman" represent categories of individuals whose poor judgment necessitates the taking of security. This is an example of **synonymous parallelism** in its structure, yet it presents two distinct, though related, categories of folly. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "garment" and "pledge" to stand for the broader concept of collateral or security. These specific items represent the means by which one protects oneself from financial loss. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with "stranger" representing the unknown and risky, and "strange woman" symbolizing moral corruption, seduction, and ultimately, ruin. These symbolic figures embody the dangers against which the proverb warns, making the abstract concept of folly concrete and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom, discernment, and stewardship. Theologically, it underscores that God's wisdom extends to practical matters of finance and relationships, guiding believers to live prudently and responsibly. It highlights the principle that character flaws, whether financial recklessness or moral impurity, have tangible consequences and should inform our interactions with others. The call to "take his garment" or "take a pledge" is not an endorsement of harshness, but a pragmatic recognition of the need for self-protection against the destructive outcomes of folly, aligning with the divine call to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. It teaches that true wisdom involves discerning the integrity of others and safeguarding one's resources and well-being from those who consistently demonstrate poor judgment.

* [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warnings Against Suretyship")
* [Proverbs 7:6-27](/proverbs/7-6 "Proverbs 7:6-27 - The Seductive Allure of the Strange Woman")
* [Deuteronomy 24:10-13](/deuteronomy/24-10 "Deuteronomy 24:10-13 - Laws Regarding Pledges and Compassion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:13, though rooted in ancient practices, offers timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary relationships and financial dealings. It challenges us to cultivate keen discernment when interacting with others, especially concerning matters of trust and financial commitment. In an age where personal guarantees and co-signing loans are common, this proverb serves as a vital warning against blindly trusting those who exhibit a pattern of irresponsibility, whether through reckless financial ventures or morally compromising behaviors. It encourages us to protect our resources and our peace of mind by setting clear boundaries and, where necessary, demanding appropriate safeguards. Ultimately, it calls us to embody wisdom ourselves, recognizing that our own integrity and sound judgment are our best defense against the folly of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern trustworthiness in others before entering into financial or significant personal commitments?**
* **What safeguards do I have in place to protect my resources from others' poor judgment or potential recklessness?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to act as "surety for a stranger" or engage with a "strange woman" in contemporary terms (e.g., unwise investments, morally compromising associations, or enabling irresponsible behavior)?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to cultivate personal wisdom, integrity, and boundaries in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is being "surety for a stranger" considered so risky in Proverbs?**

Answer: Being "surety for a stranger" (someone unknown or unreliable) is deemed highly risky because it involves guaranteeing a debt for an individual whose character, financial stability, and intentions are unverified. The book of Proverbs consistently warns against this practice (e.g., [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warnings Against Suretyship")), as it places one's own assets and future at severe risk with little to no control over the outcome. The stranger's likely default would lead to the surety's ruin, highlighting a fundamental lack of prudence and discernment.

**Who is the "strange woman" in Proverbs, and why is she linked to financial risk?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _nokriyah_ or _zarah_) in Proverbs is not merely a foreigner, but a powerful symbol of moral corruption, particularly an adulteress or harlot. She represents anyone who leads one astray from the path of wisdom, righteousness, and covenant faithfulness. She is linked to financial risk because entanglement with her often leads to devastating consequences, including the squandering of wealth, loss of reputation, social disgrace, and even physical and spiritual ruin (e.g., [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "Proverbs 7:26-27 - The Destructive Path of the Strange Woman")). Her influence depletes one's resources and destroys one's future.

**Does "take his garment" mean we should be harsh or unforgiving in our financial dealings?**

Answer: No, the advice to "take his garment" or "take a pledge" is not an endorsement of harshness or unforgiveness, but a pragmatic call to prudence and protection. In ancient times, a garment was a common form of collateral. The proverb advises wise risk management, urging individuals to secure themselves against the foreseeable consequences of another's folly. It's about exercising discernment and avoiding becoming a victim of others' poor judgment, while still operating within the broader biblical principles of justice and compassion (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:10-13](/deuteronomy/24-10 "Deuteronomy 24:10-13 - Laws Regarding Pledges and Compassion")). The wisdom is in prevention and protection, not necessarily in retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in Christ demanding a pledge from us, but in Him *being* the ultimate surety and pledge for us, securing our salvation. While the proverb warns against being surety for a "stranger" due to the inherent risk, Jesus Christ became the divine Surety for humanity (cf. [Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Jesus, the Surety of a Better Covenant")), fully knowing the cost and willingly paying the ultimate "pledge" of His own life on the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He did not take our garment, but rather clothed us in His righteousness (cf. [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodies true wisdom, standing in stark contrast to the "strange woman" who leads to ruin. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), leading His followers not to destruction but to abundant and eternal life. His teachings consistently emphasize discernment, purity of heart, and wise stewardship, warning against spiritual adultery (cf. [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")) and foolish choices, while Himself providing the perfect example of prudent and righteous living. In Christ, we find the secure and trustworthy relationship that no human pledge could ever guarantee.

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.

Proverbs 6:1

¶ My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

Proverbs 6:4

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

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?

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: