What does Proverbs 17:17 mean?
ESV: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
NIV: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
NASB: A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
CSB: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
NLT: A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
KJV: A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
NKJV: A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
Verse Commentary:
Solomon points out the value of a true friend and a brother. He says a true friend is always loving, and a brother helps in trying times. A true friend and genuine brother exhibit true love in unfavorable circumstances as well as in favorable ones.
Interpreters debate the nuances of this verse. Some suggest Solomon means to make a contrast: "a friend…but a brother…" This would imply a difference between those who act as friends, and those who go even further in their friendship to be considered brothers. Others suggest the correct translation here should be "a brother is born [of / from] adversity." That would suggest "brotherhood" is forged through danger or hardship. This does not mean we should rush headlong into any risk, as the next verse warns (Proverbs 17:18).
Each option orbits the same basic center: that genuine love relates to practical actions. The apostle John writes, "Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling" (1 John 2:10). In 1 John 3:16 he writes, "By this we know love, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." In the following verse he decries the action of doing nothing to help a needy brother, and in verse 18 he exhorts, "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). A true friend or brother draws alongside a hurting person when that person experiences sickness or pain or financial distress or the loss of a loved one. It is easy to say, "I am praying for you," but genuine love only starts there (James 2:15–16).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.
Chapter Summary:
This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a lengthy series of Solomon's statements of wisdom. This chapter continues by noting concepts such as honesty, controlled speech, and family harmony. The list continues into chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
Accessed 5/5/2024 3:08:14 AM
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