Proverbs 17:18 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. A man void of understanding striketh hands (in token of his engaging to be responsible for another), (and) becometh surety in the presence of his friend - implying habitual rashness in suretiship. "In the presence of his friend" (Maurer, for "his friend," translates, 'another'); namely, in the presence of the creditor. Luther takes it, If you wish to help your friend, be surety for him, but not in his presence, which will increase his negligence. The believer is worse than a pagan, if he is not provident for his own household (1 Timothy 5:8). So close is the connection of prudence in the household with prudence in religious concerns in general, that the two generally stand or fall together.