What does Proverbs 27:13 mean?

As in Proverbs 20:16, this lesson advises a lender to be cautious when lending to an unreliable person. What Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) suggests here is an aggressive approach that puts great pressure on the borrower to repay. The examples given involve those who are using money for especially risky purposes. Or, for those who are known for immoral behavior. Lending is risky enough by itself; wagering on the reliability of ungodly people is even riskier. If a believer chooses to gamble by "lending" to unreliable people, it is wise to anticipate danger (Proverbs 27:12) and act sensibly.

Believers must be cautious about how they handle money. Generosity and sacrificial giving do not require Christians to be gullible or senseless (2 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:6). "Loaning" to an underserving, immoral person who seems likely to abuse the gift is not showing good stewardship. Believers ought to recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from God and should be managed wisely (James 1:17; 1 Timothy 4:4). Ultimately, our financial resources belong to God. Squandering God's gift of money is tantamount to showing ingratitude and an understanding of the faithfulness God demands of stewards.

Other Old Testament passages add a sense of compassion even to these situations. "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" (Exodus 22:26–27). Similarly, Deuteronomy 24:10–13 notes that lending to those who are truly in need should be done with respect for their dignity.