“be assured, he will not go unpunished.” The Hebrew text uses a custom that would not clearly communicate the meaning of the verse. It more literally reads, “hand to hand he will not go unpunished.” This phrase illustrates the ancient custom of striking hands or shaking hands to seal an agreement (cp. Prov. 11:15, 21). In the USA today a “gentleman’s agreement” is still sealed with just a handshake. The point of the proverb is that even if evil, arrogant people agree to support each other and shake hands on it, they will not avoid being punished. They will suffer the consequences of their actions in this life or the next life, and even perhaps both.