Proverbs 27:10

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about friendships:

Proverbs 27:10 (ESV)

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,

and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.

Better is a neighbor who is near

than a brother who is far away.

Having a friend is an important aspect of our lives.   So much so that Solomon stresses that we not only make sure we keep our "personal" friends but that we also don't forsake the a friend that has been part of your family.   Having a personal friend you can trust and who knows you, allows you to navigate through life's journey.    Imagine having someone who was also an established friend of your father.   One who knows both the family secrets but also the family potential.  He knows you because he knew dad.     But, when we do need help we should be careful who we ask.   Solomon tells us that it is better to go to our neighbor than to a brother.  Family is not always better than a friend.    Sometimes a friend who is close is better than a brother who is far away.   Solomon is expressing to us the value of true friendship.   We learn from this great proverb: 1) Don't forsake your one friend.  2) Don't forsake long established friends.  3) Don't rely all the time on family.  4) Friends nearby can be better than family a far off.