Proverbs 17:18
A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Majority Standard Bible
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 who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
Proverbs 22:16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
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 →