Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 20:16 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. "
Proverbs 20:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
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Two kinds of people are spoken of here. Both are ruining their own property and will soon become beggars, so no one should trust them with solid security.
First are those who are ready to stand surety for anyone who asks. They get caught in reckless promises to help their idle companions. Such people will soon fail, because they cannot keep it up for long. They waste their resources in large amounts.
Second are those who keep company with immoral women, who court them, spend on them, and stay close to them. They will soon become poor too, so never lend them credit without good security. Loose women have ways of draining men’s wealth in order to enrich themselves.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
Proverbs 20:2
"The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul."
Proverbs 20:3
"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling."
Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest,"
Proverbs 20:5
"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out."
Proverbs 20:6
"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?"
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