Proverbs 17:18
A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
Young's Literal Translation
In The King James Version
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
In Context
17At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
Cross References
Proverbs 11:15Evil [one] suffereth when he hath been surety [for] a stranger, And whoso is hating suretyship is confident.
Proverbs 22:16He is oppressing the poor to multiply to him, He is giving to the rich — 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 →