Bridges on Proverbs 27:13
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 27:13
 
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13.  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
 
This proverb also we had before. (Chapter 20:16.) ‘But what conduces to the happiness of life it is needful to inculcate again and again, to fix it deep in the mind.’ This may be an illustration of the prudence just described; foreseeing evil, and, instead of rushing into it, avoiding it. For what can be more imprudent than to trust a man that is surety for a stranger, or for a strange woman? Such folly is utterly unworthy of confidence. And therefore take his garment, full security for a debt. Rather incur the charge of selfishness, than by imprudence hinder yourself from helping more worthy objects. It is the perfection of Christian graces that they do not entrench one another. Kindness loses the name of virtue, when shewn at the expense of prudence. Yet caution is needed, lest in repressing an impulse, we crush or hazard a valuable principle. We would not too hastily frown upon a generous act; because it may have overstepped the bounds of prudence. Time, growing consideration, and experience, will correct the error. Meanwhile let not the discipline of prudence chill the glow of active, self-denying love. Let every grace be in its order, proportion, and combination, “that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:17.)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 20:16
16 ¶ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
 
 
Footnote:
Lavater.
 
 
2 Timothy 3:17
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. {throughly...: or, perfected}