Proverbs 27:13 - Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!
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What does "Proverbs 27:13" mean?
Proverbs 27:13 reads: "Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners." (Note that many translations say "foreigner" rather than "wayward woman.")
Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger...": This refers to someone foolishly guaranteeing the debt of a stranger. In ancient times, clothing was a valuable and sometimes only possession. Taking someone's garment as collateral was a common practice to ensure the debt was repaid. This part of the proverb warns against the risky practice of co-signing or guaranteeing loans for people you don't know. It is irresponsible to take on the financial burdens of others, especially strangers.
"...Hold it for a wayward woman!" (or "hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners."): This emphasizes the same point. The person is likely acting unwisely again. The "wayward woman" or "foreigner" could represent someone unreliable or untrustworthy. The phrase implies that lending security for them is particularly risky. In either case, if the person is foolish enough to do this, you should hold onto the collateral to protect yourself. The idea is that their foolish behavior warrants taking precautions.
In essence, the proverb is a warning against foolishly guaranteeing debts for others, especially those who are untrustworthy. It highlights the importance of financial prudence and being cautious about who you trust with your money.
The verse doesn't literally instruct the reader to seize clothing from someone who co-signs a loan. Instead, it's a vivid, memorable way to illustrate the principle: Don't let others' financial irresponsibility endanger your own stability. It's a caution against naivete and the dangers of being overly generous or co-signing loans for those you don't know. It is a warning to consider one's own financial wellbeing and to take action to protect oneself against the financial foolishness of others.
Proverbs 27:13 - Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!
What does "Proverbs 27:13" mean?
Proverbs 27:13 reads: "Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners." (Note that many translations say "foreigner" rather than "wayward woman.")
Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger...": This refers to someone foolishly guaranteeing the debt of a stranger. In ancient times, clothing was a valuable and sometimes only possession. Taking someone's garment as collateral was a common practice to ensure the debt was repaid. This part of the proverb warns against the risky practice of co-signing or guaranteeing loans for people you don't know. It is irresponsible to take on the financial burdens of others, especially strangers.
"...Hold it for a wayward woman!" (or "hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners."): This emphasizes the same point. The person is likely acting unwisely again. The "wayward woman" or "foreigner" could represent someone unreliable or untrustworthy. The phrase implies that lending security for them is particularly risky. In either case, if the person is foolish enough to do this, you should hold onto the collateral to protect yourself. The idea is that their foolish behavior warrants taking precautions.
In essence, the proverb is a warning against foolishly guaranteeing debts for others, especially those who are untrustworthy. It highlights the importance of financial prudence and being cautious about who you trust with your money.
The verse doesn't literally instruct the reader to seize clothing from someone who co-signs a loan. Instead, it's a vivid, memorable way to illustrate the principle: Don't let others' financial irresponsibility endanger your own stability. It's a caution against naivete and the dangers of being overly generous or co-signing loans for those you don't know. It is a warning to consider one's own financial wellbeing and to take action to protect oneself against the financial foolishness of others.