Proverbs 17:18
It's not a wise idea to make a pledge and guarantee a neighbor's debt.
Free Bible 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 true friend is always there to love you, and family provides help when troubles come.
19People who love sin like to argue; those who build high gates invite destruction.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15You'll get into trouble if you guarantee a stranger's loans—you're far safer if you refuse to make such pledges.
Proverbs 22:16If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
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 →