Proverbs 17:18

The one who lacks wisdom ¹  strikes hands in pledge, ²  and puts up financial security ³  for his neighbor. ⁴ 

A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbour.

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

It is poor judgment to co–sign a friend’s note, to become responsible for a neighbor’s debts.

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

A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.

It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.

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

The one who lacks wisdom ¹  strikes hands in pledge, ²  and puts up financial security ³  for his neighbor. ⁴ 

¹ tn Heb “heart”; KJV, ASV “a man void of understanding”; NIV “a man lacking in judgment.”

² tn The phrase “in pledge” is supplied for the sake of clarification.

³ tn The line uses the participle עֹרֵב (’orev) with its cognate accusative עֲרֻבָּה (’arubah), “who pledges a pledge.”

⁴ sn It is foolish to pledge security for someone’s loans (e.g., Prov 6:1-5).