Proverbs 17:18
A foolish man will clap his hands, when he makes a pledge for his friend.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
In Context
17Whoever is a friend loves at all times. And a brother is proved by distress.
19Whoever dwells on discord loves disputes. And whoever exalts his door seeks ruin.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15He will be afflicted with evil, who provides a guarantee for an outsider. But whoever is wary of traps shall be secure.
Proverbs 22:16Whoever slanders the poor, so as to augment his own riches, will give it away to one who is richer, and will 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 →