Proverbs 17:18
A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.
Bible in Basic English
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 is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.
19The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15He who makes himself responsible for a strange man will undergo much loss; but the hater of such undertakings will be safe.
Proverbs 22:16He who is cruel to the poor for the purpose of increasing his profit, and he who gives to the man of wealth, will only come to be in need.
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 →