Proverbs 17:18

Proverbs 17:18 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
• New International Version (NIV)One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
• English Standard Version (ESV)One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.
• New King James Version (NKJV)A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.

Context of Proverbs 17:18

16To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense? 17The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour. 19He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction. 20He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.

Proverbs 17:18 word by word

אָדָ֣ם חֲסַר־לֵ֭ב תּוֹקֵ֣עַ כָּ֑ף עֹרֵ֥ב עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה לִפְנֵ֥י רֵעֵֽהוּ׃Read the interlinear

• manאָדָם'âdâm · manH120
• handsכַּףkaph · palmH3709
• suretyעָרַב‛ârab · to pledgeH6148

Cross-references for Proverbs 17:18

• Proverbs 6:1My son, if thou hast become surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand for a stranger,
• Proverbs 11:15It goeth ill with him that is surety for another; but he that hateth suretyship is secure.
• Proverbs 20:16Take his garment that is become surety [for] another, and hold him in pledge for strangers.
• Proverbs 22:16He that oppresseth the poor, it is to enrich him; he that giveth to the rich, [bringeth] only to want.

Commentaries on Proverbs 17:18

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 18Striketh hands - Striking each other's hands, or shaking hands, was anciently the form in concluding a contract. See notes on Proverbs 6:1.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 18Compare the marginal reference. Since nothing is nobler than the self-sacrifice of the true friend Proverbs 17:17, so nothing is more contemptible than the weakness which allows itself to be sacrificed for the sake of worthless associates. In the presence of his friend - i. e., “On behalf of” or “to his friend for some third person.”Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 18Verse 18 Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 18This message is repeated in Proverbs 6:1–5; 11:15; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1818. (Compare Pr 6:1-5; 11:15). in the presence, &c.--that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 17:18

• Contracts
• Hand
• Prudence
• Surety (Guarantee)

In the dictionaries

• Debtor
• Fine
• Friend
• Glad
• Grief
• Loan
• Price
• Rule
• Strike
• Surety

Commentaries on Proverbs 17

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings