Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
In Context
17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
19He loves transgression who loves strife. He who raises high his gate seeks destruction.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15He who is surety for a stranger shall smart for it, but he who hates suretyship is secure.
Proverbs 22:16He who oppresses a poor man to his increase, [and] he who gives to a rich man, [comes] only to want.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:18
True Friendship. 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. 1. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. That is not true friendship which is not constant; it will be so if it be sincere, and actuated by a good principle. Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and… Read the whole commentary →