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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A man void of understanding striketh hands, <i>and</i> becometh surety in the presence of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, <i>And</i> becomes surety for his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person lacking in sense shakes hands And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A man lacking in sense pledges, And becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A man lacking a heart <i>of wisdom</i> strikes his hands <i>in pledge</i> And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One without sense enters an agreement and puts up security for his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One without sense enters an agreement and puts up security for his friend. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's stupid to guarantee someone else's loan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his neighbour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake. He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Only someone with no sense would promise to be responsible for someone else's debts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A man who lacks sense cosigns a loan, becoming a guarantor for his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A man lacking heart is striking hands, "" He becomes a guarantor before his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A man wanting heart will strike the hand, pledging a pledge before his friend.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his friend. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A foolish man will clap his hands, when he makes a pledge for his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those without sense give their hands in pledge, becoming surety for their neighbors. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A foolish man pledges himself, for he becomes surety for his friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A foolish man hands over his bounty which he pledges for his neighbor as security.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A man void of understanding is he that striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, <i>as he</i> also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3427" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">A man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ḥă·sar- (Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">lacking</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">judgment</a> <a href="/hebrew/8628.htm" title="8628: tō·w·qê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to clatter, i.e. Slap, clang; by analogy, to drive; by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping).">strikes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kāp̄ (N-fs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">hands in pledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/6148.htm" title="6148: ‘ō·rêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to braid, i.e. Intermix; technically, to traffic; also or give to be security.">and puts up security</a> <a href="/hebrew/6161.htm" title="6161: ‘ă·rub·bāh (N-fs) -- Feminine passive participle of Anammelek in the sense of a bargain or exchange; something given as security, i.e. a token or a bondsman."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his neighbor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm">Proverbs 6:1-5</a></span><br />My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, / if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, / then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Proverbs 11:15</a></span><br />He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Proverbs 22:26-27</a></span><br />Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. / If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Proverbs 20:16</a></span><br />Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Proverbs 27:13</a></span><br />Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/17-3.htm">Job 17:3</a></span><br />Give me, I pray, the pledge You demand. Who else will be my guarantor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-3.htm">Nehemiah 5:3-5</a></span><br />Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.” / Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. / We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5</a></span><br />It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25-26</a></span><br />Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Matthew 18:23-35</a></span><br />Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. / As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him. / Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-34.htm">Luke 6:34-35</a></span><br />And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Luke 12:58-59</a></span><br />Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8</a></span><br />Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.</p><p class="hdg">void</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm">Proverbs 6:1-5</a></b></br> My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, <i>if</i> thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Proverbs 11:15</a></b></br> He that is surety for a stranger shall smart <i>for it</i>: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Proverbs 20:16</a></b></br> Take his garment that is surety <i>for</i> a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.</p><p class="hdg">understanding heart </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Collateral</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Guarantor</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Pledges</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-19.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/psalms/94-8.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Striketh</a> <a href="/job/39-20.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Surety</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Collateral</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm">Guarantor</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Pledges</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-7.htm">Striketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Surety</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A man lacking judgment</b><br>This phrase highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in decision-making. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The lack of judgment here implies a deficiency in understanding and prudence, which are highly valued in the wisdom literature of the Bible. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on wisdom as a guiding principle for life, as seen throughout the Book of Proverbs.<p><b>strikes hands in pledge</b><br>The act of striking hands was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing an agreement or contract. It is akin to a modern-day handshake or signing of a contract. In the context of Proverbs, this action is often viewed negatively when done without careful consideration, as it can lead to financial or relational entanglements. The Bible warns against rash commitments, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/6.htm">Proverbs 6:1-5</a>, where the consequences of such actions are discussed.<p><b>and puts up security for his neighbor</b><br>Offering security for another person’s debt was a risky financial decision in ancient times, as it could lead to personal loss if the debtor defaulted. The cultural and historical context shows that such practices were common, but the wisdom literature advises caution. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of stewardship and responsibility, emphasizing the need to manage one's resources wisely. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in passages like <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8</a>, which advises believers to owe nothing to anyone except love.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_man_lacking_judgment.htm">The Man Lacking Judgment</a></b><br>This individual is characterized by a lack of discernment or wisdom, often making impulsive or unwise decisions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a></b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, a neighbor would be someone within the community or close social circle, emphasizing the relational aspect of the pledge.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pledge.htm">Pledge</a></b><br>This refers to a financial or legal commitment, often involving a handshake or agreement to guarantee another person's debt or obligation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_financial_matters.htm">Discernment in Financial Matters</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to exercise wisdom and discernment in financial dealings, avoiding impulsive commitments that could lead to personal or familial hardship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prudence.htm">The Importance of Prudence</a></b><br>Prudence is a virtue that involves careful consideration of potential consequences before making decisions, especially those involving financial or legal obligations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a></b><br>While helping others is a Christian virtue, it is important to balance generosity with responsibility, ensuring that one's own household is not put at risk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/biblical_wisdom_on_debt.htm">Biblical Wisdom on Debt</a></b><br>The Bible consistently advises caution regarding debt and financial entanglements, encouraging believers to live within their means and avoid unnecessary liabilities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_christians_cosign_loans.htm">Is it appropriate for Christians to cosign loans?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_war_killing_but_forbid_murder.htm">Why does the Bible allow killing in war but forbid murder in the Ten Commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_handling_debt.htm">What does the Bible say about handling debt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_secretive_hand_actions_mean.htm">What does secretive action between hands signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">In the presence of his friend.--</span>Or, <span class= "ital">With his neighbour. </span>(For the same warning, comp. <a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm" title="My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger,">Proverbs 6:1</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A man void of understanding</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">heart</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>striketh hands;</span> clinches the bargain which makes him responsible (see on suretyship, <a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm">Proverbs 6:1</a>, etc.; and note, <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Proverbs 20:16</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Becometh surety in the presence of his friend;</span> 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, <span class="accented">plaudet manibus</span>), "The foolish man claps (<span class="greek">ἐπικροτεῖ</span>) and rejoices in himself, so also he who pledges himself for his friend." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lacking</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֭ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strikes</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹקֵ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·qê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8628.htm">Strong's 8628: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hands in pledge</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּ֑ף</span> <span class="translit">(kāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and puts up security</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹרֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6148.htm">Strong's 6148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To braid, intermix, technically, to traffic, give to be security</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his neighbor.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-18.htm">Proverbs 17:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>