Proverbs 17:17-18

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 friendship:

Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:18 (ESV)

One who lacks sense gives a pledge

and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)

The one who states his case first seems right,

until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

In the above proverbs the Hebrew word, reya, is translated as “friend (2x) neighbor, and other.”   The point of these four proverbs is their relationship with someone and the benefit that the relationship provides.  

1. A friend (17:17) is there for adversity in your life. Perhaps even more so than a brother.  

2. A friend (17:18) will be there to witness when you do something foolish (and, assuming, point it out so you avoid it)

3. A friend (18:17) will examine what has been said and bring clarity and accuracy to the discussion. 

4. A friend (18:24) will stick by you through thick and thin.   A friend does not allow circumstances to impact relationships in a negative way.   

Proverbs has much to say about friendship.   We are to build relationships with others, knowing full well that God has created them to produce righteous and wise living in our lives.   That is the entire point of the book of Proverbs.   Friends are a means that God uses in our lives to build wisdom.