Proverbs 17:18

Proverbs 17:18 American Standard Version (ASV)

A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.

It’s stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay.

A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

It is not wise to promise to pay what your neighbor owes.

One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.

A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.

It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.

It’s stupid to run up bills you’ll never be able to pay or to cosign for the loan of your friend. Save yourself the trouble and don’t do either one.

One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.