“Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress” (Proverbs 20:16).
In the world of finance, people with a track record of unreliability require collateral. A person who is a stranger to a loan institution is going to have to produce a record of employment, evidence of present employment, and collateral if anything looks suspicious. Solomon does not criticize this cautious approach; he commends it.
Of equal caution ought to be people who misuse their sexuality. Instead of entering into marriage and living harmoniously with God’s holy instructions concerning this blessing, a seductress cavalierly disregards divine wisdom. Such recklessness with one’s sexuality is proof of untrustworthiness.
Wise people do not trust untrustworthy people.
