Hello Bob. I know that this verse can be very confusing, by its brevity & written style. There are a series of warnings given in this chapter, but to verse 16 in particular, the matter is all about where, or in whom, one should place his trust.
The examples given are to a stranger & strange woman (i.e. an harlot, though some versions render this as 'stranger', as well). So, to make it easier to read, we could liberally transliterate it as follows: If a person is lacking good sense to be a guarantor to one whom he doesn't know, then take what you can from him (i.e. his garment), because of the great likelihood of the surety being lost to the stranger & the garment might be all that can be returned to him.
Similarly, the other part of the verse could be rendered: if the man who owes you monies or chattels is so morally lacking to be given over to an harlot, then take a surety (or, whatever you can get) from him, for his lifestyle will lead him into folly & penury.
Apologies for the lengthy transliteration; I think this rendering might help you understand this verse a little better.
The examples given are to a stranger & strange woman (i.e. an harlot, though some versions render this as 'stranger', as well). So, to make it easier to read, we could liberally transliterate it as follows: If a person is lacking good sense to be a guarantor to one whom he doesn't know, then take what you can from him (i.e. his garment), because of the great likelihood of the surety being lost to the stranger & the garment might be all that can be returned to him.
Similarly, the other part of the verse could be rendered: if the man who owes you monies or chattels is so morally lacking to be given over to an harlot, then take a surety (or, whatever you can get) from him, for his lifestyle will lead him into folly & penury.
Apologies for the lengthy transliteration; I think this rendering might help you understand this verse a little better.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?