Proverbs Chapter 17 verse 18 Holy Bible
A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
read chapter 17 in ASV
A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.
read chapter 17 in BBE
A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.
read chapter 17 in DARBY
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
read chapter 17 in KJV
read chapter 17 in WBT
A man void of understanding strikes hands, And becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
read chapter 17 in WEB
A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
read chapter 17 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 18. - A man void of understanding (Hebrew, heart) striketh hands; clinches the bargain which makes him responsible (see on suretyship, Proverbs 6:1, etc.; and note, Proverbs 20:16). Becometh surety in the presence of his friend; to his friend for some third party. What is here censured is the weakness which, for the sake of perhaps worthless companions, lets itself be hampered and endangered by others' obligations. For, as our adage runs, he that is surety for another is never sure himself. The Septuagint takes the "striking of hands" to be a sign of joy (Vulgate, plaudet manibus), "The foolish man claps (ἐπικροτεῖ) and rejoices in himself, so also he who pledges himself for his friend."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) In the presence of his friend.--Or, With his neighbour. (For the same warning, comp. Proverbs 6:1, sqq.)
