Proverbs 17:16-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 Of what use is money in the hands of fools
when they have no heart to acquire wisdom?[a]
17 A friend is a friend at all times,
and a brother is born for the time of adversity.(A)
18 Those without sense give their hands in pledge,
becoming surety for their neighbors.(B)
Footnotes
- 17:16 The exhortation to acquire or purchase wisdom is common in Proverbs. Fools misunderstand the metaphor, assuming they can buy it with money. Their very misunderstanding shows they have no “heart” = mind, understanding. Money in the hand is no good without such a “heart” to store it in.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.