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

PROVERBS 20:16KJV
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Proverbs 20:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:16 mean?

Proverbs 20:16 warns that if someone guarantees a debt for a stranger or for a woman they do not know well, it is wise to take a pledge or security from them, such as their garment, to protect yourself. The verse highlights the risk involved in taking responsibility for someone else's obligations, especially when there is no close relationship or trust.

This proverb is part of the wisdom sayings collected by King Solomon, offering practical advice about financial dealings. In ancient Israel, being a "surety" meant guaranteeing another person's loan or debt. The verse uses the image of taking a garment as a pledge, which was a common practice to ensure repayment. The advice is directed to anyone who might be tempted to make risky promises for others, especially for those they do not know well.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:16

  • "Take" (לָקַח, laqach): This word means to seize or take hold of. Here, it stresses the need for decisive action to protect oneself in risky situations.
  • "Garment" (בֶּגֶד, beged): In ancient times, a person's outer garment was valuable and often used as collateral. The verse uses this as a concrete example of taking security.
  • "Surety" (עָרַב, arav): This means to pledge oneself for another’s debt. The proverb warns against lightly entering such arrangements, especially for strangers.
  • "Stranger" (זָר, zar): This refers to someone outside one’s family or close community, highlighting the lack of trust or relationship.
  • "Pledge" (חָבַל, chaval): This word means to take something as security for a debt, reinforcing the advice to protect oneself.
  • "Woman" (נָכְרִיָּה, nokriyah): This term often refers to a foreign or unknown woman, emphasizing the risk of entanglement with someone outside one’s trusted circle.

Why Proverbs 20:16 matters

  • Proverbs 20:16 clarifies that wisdom includes being cautious in financial matters, especially when dealing with people you do not know well.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of practical safeguards, rather than relying solely on good intentions or trust.
  • This proverb connects to a broader theme in Proverbs about the dangers of impulsive promises and the need for careful judgment in relationships and business.

Where else these words appear

“surety” Hebrew H6148 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 43:9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
  • Psalms 119:122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
  • Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

“pledge” Hebrew H2254 · used in 25 verses

  • 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:
  • Job 34:31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
  • Isaiah 13:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

“woman” Hebrew H5237 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
  • 1 Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
  • Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

“stranger” Hebrew H2114 · used in 76 verses

  • Exodus 29:33 And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
  • Psalms 54:3 For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
  • Isaiah 29:5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.