Consequences of Foolishness

(Pro 27:13 KJV)  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Have you ever had someone ask you a question and you frustrate them by answering, “It depends.”  This verse reminds us that when you develop a response based on the Bible you need to take what is called “the whole counsel of God.”  That means you need to understand what the verse actually says and know the qualifications that are given other places.  An example of the first is the KJV translation of “Thou shall not kill” which is really “Thou shall not murder.”  See the difference?

An example of the second would be isolating verses that deny free will and ignoring all the ones that say God gives us choices.  This verse is in that category.  If you read the Bible you find cautions about taking someone’s coat for an unpaid debt.  Here it seems to be acceptable.  You need the context.  The previous verse seems to draw the line for this verse with those who are in debt because they refuse to grow up and be responsible.

So?  In many cases it is better to err on the side of compassion.  In others, like this, doing that can cause them more damage because they refuse to learn the lessons.  We are all teachers in some way and our lessons can be life changers.