Proverbs 27:13

French OST - Osterwald

Quand quelqu'un aura cautionné un étranger, prends son vêtement; exige de lui un gage, à cause des étrangers.

What Does This Mean?

This verse advises that if someone vouches for a stranger or a foreigner, take collateral to ensure repayment. It's about being cautious and responsible in financial dealings. The key message is about the importance of prudence and security in loans and guarantees.

Explained for Children

Imagine you lend your favorite toy to a new kid in school. This verse is like saying, 'Make sure you get something back in case the toy doesn't come back.' It teaches us to be careful and smart when sharing with others we don't know well.

Historical Background

The Book of Proverbs was compiled by King Solomon and other wise men around 950-450 BC. It was written for Israelites, offering guidance on living wisely and responsibly. The cultural setting was one where community and family ties were strong, and caution was often advised in dealings with outsiders.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this could apply to lending money to a colleague or friend. For instance, if a new coworker asks to borrow money, it might be wise to ask for something valuable as collateral to ensure they return the money.

Topics

• wisdom
• finance
• responsibility
• caution
• community
• trust

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 24:10
• Proverbs 6:1
• Ezekiel 18:7
• Luke 6:35
• 2 Corinthians 1:14

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the verse mean by 'stranger'?

The term 'stranger' refers to someone unfamiliar or from another community, emphasizing the need for caution in dealings with outsiders.

Why is collateral mentioned?

Collateral ensures there is something of value to secure a loan, making it less likely that the lender will lose money if the borrower defaults.

How does this apply to today's society?

In today’s context, this verse can be applied to financial transactions like loans or guarantees, where taking collateral is a way to protect oneself against potential loss.

What does this teach us about trust?

This teaches us to balance trust with caution, especially when dealing with new or unfamiliar individuals, ensuring that trust is not blindly given without security measures.