English Standard Version
Proverbs 17:18
18One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.
- New Living Translation (NLT)It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
Context of Proverbs 17:18
16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? 17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. 19Whoever loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 20A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
Read all of Proverbs 17Proverbs 17:18 word by word
אָדָ֣ם חֲסַר־לֵ֭ב תּוֹקֵ֣עַ כָּ֑ף עֹרֵ֥ב עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה לִפְנֵ֥י רֵעֵֽהוּ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- A manאָדָם'âdâm · manH120
- voidחָסֵרchâsêr · lackingH2638
- of understandingלֵבlêb · heartH3820
- strikethתָּקַעtâqa‛ · to blowH8628
- handsכַּףkaph · palmH3709
- becomethעָרַב‛ârab · to pledgeH6148
- suretyעֲרֻבָּה‛ărûbbâh · pledgeH6161
- in the presenceפָּנֶהpânîym · faceH6440
- of his friendרֵעַrêa‛ rêya‛ · neighborH7453
Cross-references for Proverbs 17:18
- Proverbs 6:1My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger,
- Proverbs 11:15Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
- Proverbs 20:16Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.
- Proverbs 22:16Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
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
In the dictionaries
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries