A friend loves at all timesThis phrase emphasizes the constancy and reliability of true friendship. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, loyalty and steadfastness were highly valued traits in relationships. The Hebrew word for "friend" here can also imply a close companion or confidant, suggesting a deep bond beyond mere acquaintance. This idea of unwavering love is echoed in other scriptures, such as
John 15:13, where Jesus speaks of the greatest love being one that lays down its life for friends. The constancy of a true friend reflects the enduring love of God, as seen in
Lamentations 3:22-23, where His mercies are described as new every morning.
and a brother is born for adversity
This part of the verse highlights the role of family, particularly siblings, in times of trouble. In biblical times, family ties were crucial for survival and support, especially during hardships. The term "brother" here signifies not just a biological sibling but also someone who acts with the loyalty and support expected of family. This concept is seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis, where despite initial betrayal, familial bonds ultimately lead to reconciliation and support during famine. The phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as our brother inHebrews 2:11-12, born to share in our sufferings and provide help in times of need.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical insights into living a life that honors God.
2.
Friends and BrothersThe verse contrasts two types of relationships—friends and brothers—highlighting the constancy and purpose of each in times of need.
3.
AdversityThis term refers to times of trouble or hardship, which are inevitable in life. The verse suggests that relationships are tested and proven during such times.
Teaching Points
The Constancy of True FriendshipTrue friendship is marked by unwavering love, regardless of circumstances. This constancy reflects God's love for us and serves as a model for our relationships.
Purpose in AdversityAdversity reveals the depth and strength of relationships. Brothers, whether by blood or in Christ, are divinely placed in our lives to support and uplift us during difficult times.
Reflecting Christ's LoveAs Christians, we are called to love others as Christ loves us. This means being present and supportive, especially when others face trials.
Building Strong RelationshipsInvest in relationships that are rooted in love and faithfulness. Such relationships not only provide support but also glorify God.
Community and AccountabilityEngage in a community of believers who can act as friends and brothers, offering mutual support and accountability in your spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:17?
2.How can we embody "a friend loves at all times" in daily life?
3.What does Proverbs 17:17 teach about loyalty during adversity?
4.How does Proverbs 17:17 connect to Jesus' teachings on love and friendship?
5.In what ways can we support family as "a brother is born for adversity"?
6.How can Proverbs 17:17 guide our relationships within the church community?
7.How does Proverbs 17:17 define true friendship in a Christian context?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 17:17?
9.How does Proverbs 17:17 challenge modern views on loyalty and love?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17?
11.Does a true friend love you always?
12.What does the Bible say about true friendship?
13.What does the Bible say about true friendship?
14.Does a true friend love you always?What Does Proverbs 17:17 Mean
A friend loves at all times“ A friend loves at all times ” (Proverbs 17:17a) sets the tone of unwavering commitment. Genuine friendship is not seasonal or conditional.
• Love that endures: Jonathan’s loyalty to David never wavered, even when it cost him (1 Samuel 18:3-4).
• At all times means on bright days and dark nights; Jesus points to the same standard: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
• Such love sticks “closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) and “bears all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
• It mirrors God’s covenant faithfulness, inviting us to reflect His steadfast character in every season.
and a brother is born for adversity“ …and a brother is born for adversity ” (Proverbs 17:17b) sharpens the focus. Family—by blood or in Christ—is divinely positioned for crisis moments.
• Purpose in hardship: Job’s friends initially came “to sympathize with him and comfort him” (Job 2:11); brothers step in when life turns rough.
• Shared burdens fulfill God’s law: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
• Adversity reveals who will stand: two are “better than one… for if either falls, the other can lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
• Ruth became family to Naomi, vowing, “Where you go I will go… your people will be my people” (Ruth 1:16-17), illustrating the brother-in-adversity principle.
• The family bond is forged for battle; “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1) because hardship is certain, and God provides siblings to meet it.
summaryProverbs 17:17 celebrates two complementary gifts: friends who love without pause and brothers uniquely equipped for life’s storms. Loyal friends display constant, sacrificial love; brothers, whether by birth or by faith, step forward when trouble strikes. Together they paint a living portrait of God’s steadfast, ever-present care for His people.
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a brother is born for adversity.Verse 17. -
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Some find a climax in the two clauses, and translate the last as Revised Version margin, "And is born as a brother for adversity," the same person being meant in both members of the sentence. A real friend loves his friend in prosperity and adversity; yea, he is more than a friend in time of need - he is a brother, as affectionate and as trusty as one connected by the closest ties of relationship (comp.
Proverbs 18:24). Siracides gives a very cruel version of this proverb, "A friend cannot be known in prosperity; and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity. In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved; but in his adversity even a friend will depart" (Ecclus. 12:8, etc.). Cicero had a truer notion of the stability of friendship when he quoted Ennius's dictum, "Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur" ('De Amicit.,' 17.). Misfortune, says our maxim, is the touchstone of friendship; and one Greek gnome enjoins -
Ἰδίας νόμιζε τῶν φίλων τὰς συμφοράς
"Thy friend's misfortunes deem to be thine own;"
while another runs - . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A friendהָרֵ֑עַ(hā·rê·a‘)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7453:Friend, companion, fellowlovesאֹהֵ֣ב(’ō·hêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 157:To have affection fat allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytimes,עֵ֭ת(‘êṯ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whenand a brotherוְאָ֥ח(wə·’āḥ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )is bornיִוָּלֵֽד׃(yiw·wā·lêḏ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagefor adversity.לְ֝צָרָ֗ה(lə·ṣā·rāh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869:Tightness, a female rival
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times (Prov. Pro Pr)