Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 20:16

by David Chadwick

“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.”

Proverbs 20:16

There is a vast array of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Immense knowledge offered on a multitude of topics. Everything from family to money to interpersonal relationships to personal success. God clearly places a high value on practical wisdom and the importance of living responsibly.

Today, we are going to look at another verse from Proverbs 20. Verse 16 is today’s proverb: “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.”

What is this saying? This verse is speaking to the importance of financial stewardship. Specifically times where you may be asked to put up a deposit or a pledge for another person’s debt. You may ask to give “security,” or “collateral,” for another person’s transaction, which means that if that person can’t pay the debt, you must. This proverb is giving a very strong warning: “Don’t do this!”

If you put up security for a foreigner, especially someone you don’t really know, you are inviting many potential problems into your own life.

The message is clear: manage your finances well. Be smart about your pledges and investments. Know the people you are investing in. Don’t become the security for someone who could end up leaving you in a heap of financial duress.

This is wisdom. It should be embraced, desired, and applied to your life.

Over time, you will find that your wise investments will yield a security of blessings for yourself and your family. Much like the miracle of compound interest—every seven years in the stock market, your investments most often double—the same holds true here. If you make wise investments, avoid taking on others’ debts, and make good choices, over time, your future is blessed.