In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”, and in chapter seventeen and verse eighteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “a man void of understanding strikes hands” where we read,
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.
The verse begins, “A man void of understanding strikes hands, ...” Solomon began with the words, “a man void of understanding” or “a person whether male or female destitute, in need and lacking in reflection, memory, inclination, resolution and determination” “strikes hands” which means “claps, trusts, drives and gives a blasting sound”. Solomon shared how a person who lacks in resolution and inclination shakes hands in agreement.
The verse goes on to say, “... and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.” Solomon continued with the words, “and becomes surety” or “and pledges, guarantees undertakes tokens and bonds” “in the presence” which means “within the face, person and front” “of his friend” or “belonging to the person's intimate companion, fellow-citizen or neighbor”. Solomon said the person who shakes hand in agreement without knowledge pledges themselves within the face of their intimate companions and neighbors.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon that we should be very careful not to make agreements with others without having sufficient knowledge. “Striking hands” was a custom for people who agreed upon a certain business transaction, and at the conclusion of the words and details, the two parties would slap their hands together to show their commitment to keeping their part of the contract. Today we not only “shake hands”, but written contracts are drawn up to express each party's commitment. God gave His Son Jesus to the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to be very circumspect and wise before we make any agreement that causes us to make a pledge or guarantee before our intimate companions and neighbors.
Next time Solomon says, “he loves transgression that loves strife”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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