Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֣ם
A man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
A man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
1 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לֵ֭ב
of understanding
H3820
לֵ֭ב
of understanding
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
תּוֹקֵ֣עַ
striketh
H8628
תּוֹקֵ֣עַ
striketh
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
4 of 9
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
כָּ֑ף
hands
H3709
כָּ֑ף
hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
5 of 9
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
עֹרֵ֥ב
and becometh
H6148
עֹרֵ֥ב
and becometh
Strong's:
H6148
Word #:
6 of 9
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה
surety
H6161
עֲ֝רֻבָּ֗ה
surety
Strong's:
H6161
Word #:
7 of 9
something given as security, i.e., (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman
Historical Context
Ancient financial systems included debt slavery—those unable to pay debts became slaves. Sureties who guaranteed others' debts faced this if the primary debtor defaulted. Many lost everything becoming surety for friends or relatives. Proverbs' repeated warnings suggest this was common and destructive. While Israelites were to lend freely to needy brothers (Deuteronomy 15:7-8), becoming legal guarantor was different—and dangerous.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you struck hands to become surety for others' debts, ignoring biblical wisdom?
- How can you practice generous lending without the legal entanglements of co-signing or guaranteeing?
- What is the difference between biblically wise generosity and foolish financial entanglement?
Analysis & Commentary
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. Adam chasar-lev toqe'a khaf (אָדָם חֲסַר־לֵב תּוֹקֵעַ כָּף, a man lacking heart strikes palms). Striking hands symbolized legally binding agreements. Orev aravah lifney re'ehu (עֹרֵב עֲרָבָה לִפְנֵי רֵעֵהוּ, becoming surety before his friend). Becoming guarantor for another's debt was financially dangerous. Proverbs repeatedly warns against this practice (6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26-27, 27:13). While generosity is good, financially entangling yourself with others' debts is unwise. Give generously but don't obligate yourself legally for others' responsibilities.