Proverbs 17:18
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A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Though Solomon had commended friendship in adversity (Pro 17:17), yet let not any, under pretence of being generous to their friends, be unjust to their families and wrong them; one part of our duty must be made to consist with another. Note, 1. It is a piece of wisdom to keep out of debt as much as may be, especially to dread suretiship. There may be a just occasion for a man to pass his word for his friend in his absence, till he come to engage himself; but to be surety in the presence of his friend, when he is upon the spot, supposes that his own word will not be taken, he being deemed insolvent or dishonest, and then who can with safety pass his word for him? 2. Those that are void of understanding are commonly taken in this snare, to the prejudice of their families, and therefore ought not to be trusted too far with their own affairs, but to be under direction.
Open source ↗17:18 The essence of this message is repeated in 6:1-5; 11:15; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.