Proverbs 17:18
One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
In context
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both. 16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. 19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. 20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:18 in the KJV
A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:18 in the ESV
One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.