What does Proverbs 27:13 mean?
"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman." - Proverbs 27:13

Proverbs 27:13 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman." This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, which is known for its practical wisdom and guidance for living a successful and righteous life.
The verse is part of a passage that addresses the importance of caution and wisdom when dealing with financial matters and relationships. In the context of ancient Israelite society, taking a garment as a surety or pledge was a common practice in financial transactions. It served as a guarantee or collateral for a loan or debt, and taking a pledge was a way to ensure that the borrower would fulfill their obligation. However, the verse warns against taking a surety for a stranger or a pledge for a strange woman, indicating that such actions can lead to trouble and negative consequences.
One interpretation of this verse is that it cautions against being too trusting or naive when dealing with unfamiliar or untrustworthy individuals. It advises exercising caution and prudence in financial dealings, as well as in relationships with strangers. The mention of a "strange woman" may also serve as a warning against the potential dangers of getting involved with a woman of questionable character or morals.
In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as emphasizing the importance of discernment and discretion in all aspects of life. It encourages individuals to carefully consider the potential risks and consequences of their actions, particularly when it comes to matters of trust and financial responsibility. By taking precautions and being vigilant, one can avoid being taken advantage of and protect themselves from harmful or deceitful individuals.
The themes of responsibility, trustworthiness, and accountability are prevalent in this passage. It highlights the importance of honoring one's commitments and obligations, as well as being cautious in dealings with others. It also underscores the potential pitfalls of being too hasty or careless in financial matters, and the need to exercise wisdom and discernment in all relationships.
Symbolically, the taking of a garment as a surety or a pledge can represent the seriousness and weight of financial transactions and promises. It serves as a tangible reminder of the commitment and obligation involved, and the consequences of failing to fulfill one's word. The warning against taking a surety for a stranger or a pledge for a strange woman symbolizes the potential dangers and risks of getting involved in agreements or relationships without proper consideration and evaluation.
Overall, Proverbs 27:13 offers valuable insights into the importance of caution, wisdom, and discernment in financial and relational matters. It provides timeless guidance on the need to be responsible and vigilant in our dealings with others, and the potential consequences of being too trusting or careless. It encourages individuals to exercise prudence and insight in all aspects of life, in order to avoid negative outcomes and uphold integrity and accountability.
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Proverbs 27:13 - "Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman."
"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman." - Proverbs 27:13
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
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Proverbs 17:27-28
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Proverbs 7:26-27
Proverbs 17:27-28
Proverbs 27:27 - "And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens."
Proverbs 27:26 - "The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field."
Proverbs 27:6 - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
Proverbs 27:5 - "Open rebuke is better than secret love."
Proverbs 27:24 - "For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?"
Proverbs 23:27 - "For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit."
Proverbs 27:15 - "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike."
Proverbs 10:27 - "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."
Proverbs 27:19 - "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man."
Proverbs 14:27 - "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death."
Proverbs 7:27 - "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."
Proverbs 29:27 - "An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked."
Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 6:27 - "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?"
Proverbs 30:27 - "The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;"
Proverbs 27:20 - "Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied."
Proverbs 27:21 - "As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise."
Proverbs 31:27 - "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Proverbs 16:27 - "An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire."
Proverbs 27:12 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished."
Proverbs 20:27 - "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly."