Proverbs 17:18
A man void of sense pledgeth his hand, and becometh surety for his friend.
Leeser Tanakh
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 loveth at all times, and as a brother is he born for [the time of] distress.
19He loveth transgression that loveth quarrel; and he that maketh high his door seeketh destruction.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15With evil will he be overwhelmed that is surety for a stranger: but he that hateth giving the hand as pledge is safe.
Proverbs 22:16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, [must at length] give to the rich, and come 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 →