A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
(Compare Pro 6:1-5; Pro 11:15). in the presence, &c.--that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.
Pro 17:18 18 A man void of understanding is he who striketh hands, Who becometh surety with his neighbour. Cf. Pro 6:1-5, where the warning against suretyship is given at large, and the reasons for it are adduced. It is incorrect to translate (Gesen., Hitzig, and others) לפני רעהוּ, with the lxx, Jerome, the Syr., Targ., and Luther, “for his neighbour;” to become surety for...
Though Solomon had commended friendship in adversity (Pro 17:17), yet let not any, under pretence of being generous to their friends, be unjust to their families and wrong them; one part of our duty must be made to consist with another. Note, 1. It is a piece of wisdom to keep out of debt as much as may be, especially to dread suretiship.