Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Take the coat from someone who promises to pay a stranger's debt, and demand security from anyone who guarantees payment for an unfamiliar woman.
This verse warns against the foolishness of guaranteeing debts for people you don't know well, as it puts your own security at risk.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israelite society, people often used personal items like garments as collateral or pledges to secure loans, especially in a culture where debt and repayment were common in daily transactions. This proverb serves as a warning against the risks of guaranteeing loans for strangers or foreigners, who might not honor their debts, drawing from the broader wisdom literature of Proverbs attributed to King Solomon. Such advice was practical for maintaining financial stability in a community where economic interactions could easily lead to disputes.
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