Proverbs 17:16-18

New King James Version

¹⁶Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

¹⁷^(A)A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

¹⁸^(B)A man devoid of ^[a]understanding ^[b]shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes ^[c]surety for his friend.

Proverbs 17:16-18

New International Version

¹⁶Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?^(A)

¹⁷A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.^(B)

¹⁸One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
and puts up security for a neighbor.^(C)

New King James Version (NKJV)

New International Version (NIV)