Proverbs 20:16 asv — Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners.

American Standard Version

"Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners. "

— Proverbs 20:16, American Standard Version

Read in Another Translation

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Proverbs 20:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 20 — Context

13

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

14

It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

15

There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

16

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners.

17

Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18

Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.

19

He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.

Proverbs 20:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 20:16 say?
Proverbs 20:16 in the American Standard Version reads: “Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners. ”
Where is Proverbs 20:16 in the Bible?
Proverbs 20:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 16.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 20:16.
What translation should I read Proverbs 20:16 in?
Proverbs 20:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 20:16?
Proverbs 20:16 reads (ASV): “Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for foreigners. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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