Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 17:18 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. "
Proverbs 17:18
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
Though Solomon has already praised friendship in hard times (Proverbs 17:17), that does not mean a person should use friendship as an excuse to be unfair to his own family. One duty must be kept in step with another. A man should not pretend to be generous to his friends while he neglects those who depend on him.
It is wise to keep out of debt as much as possible, and especially to avoid becoming a surety, that is, promising to pay another person’s debt if he fails to do so. There may be a fair reason to speak for a friend when he is absent, until he can make the promise himself. But to stand as surety while your friend is there, ready to answer for himself, suggests that his own word is not trusted. If he is thought unable to pay, or not honest enough to be believed, who can safely promise for him?
People who lack good sense are often caught in this trap, and their families suffer for it. Because of that, such people should not be trusted too far with their own affairs. They need guidance and direction.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."
Proverbs 17:3
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."
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