Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just say a brother is there for adversity, but that he's "born for" it, suggesting a deep, inherent purpose for his existence to show up when things get tough. This isn't just about blood relation, but about a divinely designed role to be a source of help and comfort in trials.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs offering practical wisdom on wise living, contrasting foolishness with wisdom and injustice with righteousness. It follows verses discussing disputes, foolish children, and the burdens they bring, as well as the importance of speech and reputation. The verse itself is a concise statement about the nature of true companionship, highlighting the enduring loyalty of a friend and the special role of a brother, especially in hard times.
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes 'friends' disappear when things get tough. But this verse speaks of a different kind of friendship.
Proverbs 17:17 opens by declaring, 'A friend loves at all times.' This isn't just a casual acquaintance; it's a deep, steadfast affection.
Love in All Seasons
We all have siblings, but what does it mean to be 'born for adversity'? This verse points to a special kind of relational purpose.
The second part of the verse says, 'and a brother is born for adversity.' This highlights a specific role and calling within relationships.
Purpose in Hardship
Understand the original words
rea · Hebrew Noun
Biblically, one who is attached to another by mutual affection, loyalty, and covenantal commitment; it implies proactive care and steadfast devotion.
ahab · Hebrew Verb
A term denoting an intense, loyal affection or committed, sacrificial love, often used of God's covenant love (hesed) or deep, committed human loyalty.
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A state of distress, trouble, or affliction; in the context of wisdom literature, it is often a trial that reveals true character or the need for brotherly support.
This passage beautifully illustrates the proverb with the deep, devoted friendship between David and Jonathan, showing how Jonathan's love and support were constant, even as David faced adversity.
Job 2:11-13This shows the flip side: Job's friends initially came to comfort him in his deep adversity, but their words eventually turned to accusation, highlighting the difference between true and superficial support during hard times.
Luke 15:11-32The Parable of the Prodigal Son showcases the father's unconditional love, mirroring how a true friend or brother's love isn't withdrawn, even when the person is at their worst.
John 15:13Jesus declares, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,' directly echoing the sacrificial, unwavering love described in Proverbs.
Romans 8:38-39This powerful declaration assures believers that nothing, not even extreme hardship or peril, can separate them from the love of God in Christ, emphasizing a love that is steadfast through all circumstances.
barnesProverbs 17:17: "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Some take the proverb to describe (as in Proverbs 18:24 ) the "friend that sticketh closer than a brother:" and render: At all times, a friend loveth, but in adversity he is born (i. e., becomes) a brother.
bensonProverbs 17:17: "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 . A friend loveth at all times — A sincere and hearty friend not only loves in prosperity, but also in adversity, when false friends forsake us; and a brother — Who is so, not only by name and blood, but by brotherly affection; is born for adversity — Was sent into the world for this among other ends, that he might comfort and relieve his brother in his adversity.
The verse doesn't just say a brother is there for adversity, but that he's "born for" it, suggesting a deep, inherent purpose for his existence to show up when things get tough. This isn't just about blood relation, but about a divinely designed role to be a source of help and comfort in trials.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs offering practical wisdom on wise living, contrasting foolishness with wisdom and injustice with righteousness. It follows verses discussing disputes, foolish children, and the burdens they bring, as well as the importance of speech and reputation. The verse itself is a concise statement about the nature of true companionship, highlighting the enduring loyalty of a friend and the special role of a brother, especially in hard times.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs offering practical wisdom on wise living, contrasting foolishness with wisdom and injustice with righteousness. It follows verses discussing disputes, foolish children, and the burdens they bring, as well as the importance of speech and reputation. The verse itself is a concise statement about the nature of true companionship, highlighting the enduring loyalty of a friend and the special role of a brother, especially in hard times.
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"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — The verse doesn't just say a brother is there for adversity, but that he's "born for" it, suggesting a deep, inherent purpose for his existence to show up when things get tough. This isn't just abo…