Proverbs 17:18
Proverbs 17:18 in Multiple Translations
A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.
It's not a wise idea to make a pledge and guarantee a neighbor's debt.
A man destitute of vnderstanding, toucheth the hande, and becommeth suretie for his neighbour.
A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his friend.
If someone borrows money from another person, it is foolish for you to promise [IDM] that you will pay the money back if that other person is unable to pay back the money that he borrowed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָדָ֣ם
חֲסַר
לֵ֭ב
תּוֹקֵ֣עַ
כָּ֑ף
עֹרֵ֥ב
עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Adj
לֵ֭ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
תּוֹקֵ֣עַ
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal
כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
עֹרֵ֥ב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Qal
עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה
ʻărubbâh
H6161
pledge
N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:18
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵ֭ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
תּוֹקֵ֣עַ
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
עֹרֵ֥ב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Qal
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה
ʻărubbâh
H6161
"pledge"
N-fs
A pledge is a token or guarantee of safety, like a promise or security deposit. In the Bible, it can also refer to a person who acts as a bondsman or surety for someone else, as seen in Proverbs 17:18.
Definition: pledge, token, bond, surety, thing exchanged
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pledge, surety. See also: 1 Samuel 17:18; Proverbs 17:18.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:18
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
16Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom?
17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
19He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction. 20The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:15 | He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:1–5 | 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. Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:26–27 | 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? |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:16 | Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
| 5 | Proverbs 22:16 | Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty. |
Proverbs 17:18 Summary
Proverbs 17:18 warns against acting impulsively or without careful thought, especially when it comes to financial dealings. When we put up security for someone without considering the potential consequences, we can get into trouble and damage our relationships. This verse encourages us to be cautious and thoughtful, seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as seen in James 1:5-6, and considering the principles outlined in Proverbs 22:26-27. By being prudent and responsible, we can avoid financial pitfalls and build stronger, more trustworthy relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lack judgment in Proverbs 17:18?
To lack judgment in this context means to act impulsively or without careful consideration, as seen in the actions of the man who strikes hands in pledge without thinking through the consequences, similar to the behavior described in Proverbs 22:26-27.
Why is it a problem to put up security for a neighbor without careful thought?
Putting up security for a neighbor without careful thought can lead to financial trouble and strained relationships, as warned against in Proverbs 11:15 and 22:26-27, emphasizing the importance of prudent decision-making.
How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 17:18 in my everyday life?
Applying the wisdom of Proverbs 17:18 involves being cautious and thoughtful in your financial dealings and relationships, considering the potential consequences of your actions, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:22 and 24:3-4.
Is it ever okay to co-sign a loan or provide financial guarantees for someone?
While the Bible does not strictly prohibit co-signing loans, Proverbs 17:18 and other verses like Proverbs 22:26-27 caution against doing so without careful consideration and prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as seen in James 1:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I tend to act impulsively, and how can I cultivate more careful decision-making?
- How can I balance the desire to help others with the need to be prudent and responsible in my financial dealings?
- What are some potential consequences of putting up security for someone without careful thought, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in James 1:5-6, when faced with difficult financial decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding striketh hands,.... With his friend's creditor, and becomes surety for him; and thereby acts a very unwise part, and shows himself to want understanding, by taking such a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
Striketh hands, in token of his becoming surety; of which phrase, and of the thing itself, see on 11:15. His friend: the friend here is either, 1. Before and to the creditor. Or rather, 2. Before, and with, and for the debtor, for whom, as being his friend, he becomes surety, as the manner of friends is. See on . And this proverb is fitly placed after that, , to intimate, that although the laws of friendship oblige us to love and help our friends in trouble as far as we are able, yet they do not oblige us to become surety for them rashly, and above what we are able to pay, for by that means we make ourselves unable to do good either to them, or to others, or to ourselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.Ver. 18. A man void of understanding striketh hands.] Of the folly and misery of rash suretyship, see Proverbs 6:1-3 In the presence of his friend.] Or, Before his friend; that is, before his friend do it, who was better able, and more obliged. Thus like a woodcock he puts his neck into the gin, his foot into the stocks as the drunkard; and then hath time enough to come in with the fool’ s "Had I wist," and to say, as the lion did when taken in the toil, Si praescivissem: If I had foreseen this. But why should there he among men any such Epimetheus, such a post master, an after wit?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
(18) In the presence of his friend.—Or, With his neighbour. (For the same warning, comp. Proverbs 6:1, sqq.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
Verse 18. Striketh hands] Striking each other's hands, or shaking hands, was anciently the form in concluding a contract. See Clarke on Proverbs 6:1.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:18
18. understanding] Lit. heart, as in Proverbs 17:16. surety] See Proverbs 6:1 note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:18
Compare 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
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
18. Striketh hands — Becomes surety. (See note on Proverbs 6:13; Proverbs 11:15) In the presence of his friend — That is, in behalf of, or to, his friends for some third person.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Meaning of "Kosmos" in John 3:16 by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34614 delves into the concept of 'arrabon' as a pledge, which is the payment of part of a purchase price in advance, serving as a guarantee for th |
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Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str |
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Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation) by Compilations | The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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At Ease in Zion by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about Christ and the gospel in churches. He urges Christians to be stirred and moved by the idolatry and sin in |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |