Proverbs 27:13 (ESV)
Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
This proverb is the same as Proverbs 20:16 =
Proverbs 20:16 (ESV)
Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.
This unusual proverb gives us some great insight into those who choose to walk on the financial wild side of life. Taking a risk that is contrary to God's Word should cost you ... personally. We might miss this harshness of this proverb when we view it from our societal view. Today we own many "garments." We have a whole closet full of "garments." Maybe more than one closet. So, we might not understand the importance of the phrase, "take his garment." In Solomon's day a man's garment was limited in number and numerous in use. You needed the garment you owned for covering, protection against the elements, a carrier of grain, etc. You typically only had one. What he is telling us in this proverb is that when you are so foolish to guarantee a loan for a stranger or for someone as non-dependable as an adulterous women, we deserve to have our most secure possessions taken from us. God, though Solomon’s wisdom, is telling us that we are to be wise in our dealings with those around us. Giving a “pledge” (committing to covering someone else’s loan) is lacking wisdom. Much more so when you do so for a stranger and/or someone who lacks integrity and the ability to pay it back (adulterous woman). Remember, in Proverbs, an adulterous woman is a personification of the fool. So, the point Solomon is making, is if you want to co-sign for a fool, you might as be willing to give away your most important, prize and secure possession(s).
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