¹⁸ A man void of understanding strikes hands, And becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

¹⁵ He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, But he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.

¹ My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, If you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;

² You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.

³ Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, Seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor.

⁴ Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids.

⁵ Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, Like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

¹⁶ Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; And hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.

¹⁶ Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, Both come to poverty.

²⁶ Don't you be one of those who strike hands, Of those who are collateral for debts.

²⁷ If you don't have means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?