Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friendThis phrase emphasizes the importance of loyalty and maintaining relationships. In ancient Israel, friendships were often seen as covenantal, akin to familial bonds. The reference to a "father's friend" suggests a generational continuity, highlighting the value of longstanding relationships. This can be connected to the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, as seen in
Exodus 20:12, by respecting and valuing their associations. The idea of covenant friendship is also seen in the relationship between David and Jonathan (
1 Samuel 18:1-3), where loyalty transcends personal gain.
and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
This part of the verse suggests a practical approach to seeking help. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, family ties were strong, but geographical distance could make immediate assistance difficult. The advice here is to seek help from those who are nearby and readily available. This reflects the wisdom of relying on those who can provide timely support, rather than those who may be obligated by blood but are not present. It also underscores the importance of community and the role of neighbors in providing support, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
This concluding phrase reinforces the practical wisdom of valuing proximity in relationships. In biblical times, travel was arduous and communication limited, making nearby relationships more immediately beneficial. This principle can be seen in the broader biblical theme of community and fellowship, as inActs 2:42-47, where the early church is described as living in close community, sharing resources and supporting one another. Theologically, it can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as a friend who is always present (John 15:15), emphasizing the value of a close and personal relationship with Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
FriendA person with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection, typically one that is not familial. In the context of this verse, a friend is someone who is reliable and trustworthy.
2.
Father’s FriendThis refers to a friend of one's parent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining long-standing relationships that have been built over time.
3.
BrotherA sibling or close family member. The verse contrasts the proximity and availability of a neighbor with the potential distance of a brother.
4.
NeighborSomeone who lives nearby, highlighting the value of having supportive relationships within one's immediate community.
5.
Day of CalamityA time of trouble or distress, when support and assistance are most needed.
Teaching Points
Value of Long-Standing RelationshipsCultivate and maintain friendships, especially those that have been passed down through generations, as they can provide stability and support in times of need.
Proximity Over Blood TiesIn times of trouble, the availability and willingness of those nearby can be more beneficial than distant family. Invest in relationships with those around you.
Community SupportEngage actively with your community, as neighbors can become a vital support network. Be a good neighbor yourself, ready to help others in their times of need.
Wisdom in Seeking HelpRecognize the importance of seeking help from those who are readily available and willing, rather than relying solely on familial connections that may not be as accessible.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:10?
2.How does Proverbs 27:10 emphasize the value of nearby friends over distant relatives?
3.What practical steps can you take to nurture friendships as Proverbs 27:10 suggests?
4.How does Proverbs 27:10 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving your neighbor?
5.In what ways can Proverbs 27:10 guide your response in times of crisis?
6.How can Proverbs 27:10 influence your priorities in building community relationships?
7.How does Proverbs 27:10 emphasize the importance of friendship over familial ties in times of trouble?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 27:10?
9.How does Proverbs 27:10 align with the overall message of the Book of Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27?
11.Should Christians engage in pranks?
12.What does prioritizing others' interests entail?
13.How should others be treated?
14.What is the best way to sponsor a child?What Does Proverbs 27:10 Mean
Do not forsake your friend“Do not forsake your friend…” (Proverbs 27:10a)
• Long-standing friends are gifts from God meant to be cherished, not discarded when new seasons or new interests arise (Proverbs 17:17;Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
• Friendship entails commitment, loyalty, and readiness to stand with one another in hardship—mirroring the self-giving love Jesus commended (John 15:13).
• Forsaking a faithful companion erodes the mutual safety God built into covenant relationships (1 Samuel 20:42). Guard those ties by:
– Regular contact and genuine listening
– Prayerful support in temptation or grief
– Defending your friend’s reputation when absent
…or your father’s friend“…or your father’s friend…” (Proverbs 27:10b)
• Respecting friendships that predate us honors both past and present; it preserves generational faithfulness (2 Samuel 9:1-7;1 Kings 2:7).
• Your parents’ godly companions often watched you grow, prayed for your family, and carry wisdom earned over time—an invaluable network when crises arise (Job 12:12).
• Practical steps:
– Keep their phone numbers handy
– Invite them into family milestones
– Seek counsel before big decisions (Proverbs 11:14)
and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity“…and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity…” (Proverbs 27:10c)
• The verse is not downplaying family loyalty (seeProverbs 17:17) but warns against presuming help that may be unavailable due to distance, timing, or capacity (Proverbs 25:17).
• Calamity demands immediate aid; a frantic journey to a far-off sibling can waste precious hours.
• God encourages prudent planning: cultivate local support so you’re not left stranded when adversity strikes (Genesis 41:33-36;Nehemiah 4:13-14).
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away“…better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” (Proverbs 27:10d)
• Geographic proximity allows swift intervention—neighbors can call 911, bring food, or offer shelter before a distant relative even hears the news (Luke 10:33-35).
• Community thrives when believers act as “neighbors” in the fullest sense:
– Watchfulness for each other’s welfare (Philippians 2:4)
– Willingness to share resources (Acts 4:34-35)
– Presence that reassures in the midnight hour (Psalm 91:1)
• The principle also urges each of us to be that available neighbor; loving others as ourselves fulfills the Law (Romans 13:9-10).
summaryProverbs 27:10 teaches covenant loyalty: honor the friends God has already given—including those of the previous generation—because steadfast relationships are a lifeline. In a crisis, practical help often comes from people close at hand; therefore, invest in local community and be the ready neighbor others can rely on.
(10)
Better is a neighbour that is near.--See above on
Proverbs 17:17;
Proverbs 18:24. "Near" and "far off"--
i.e., in feeling.
Verse 10. - Another proverb, a tristich, in praise of friendship. It seems to be a combination of two maxims.
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. A father's friend is one who is connected with a family by hereditary and ancestral bonds;
φίλον πατρῷον. Septuagint. Such a one is to be cherished and regarded with the utmost affection.
Neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity. The tried friend is more likely to help and sympathize with you than even your own brother, for a friend is born for adversity, and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (
Proverbs 17:17;
Proverbs 18:24, where see notes). The mere blood relationship, which is the result of circumstances over which one has had no control, is inferior to the affectionate connection which arises from moral considerations and is the effect of deliberate choice. We must remember, too, that the practice of polygamy, with the separate establishments of the various wives, greatly weakened the tie of brotherhood. There was little love between David's sons; and Jonathan was far dearer to David himself than any of his numerous brothers were. Better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. "Near" and "far off" may be taken as referring to feeling or to local position. In the former case the maxim says that a neighbour who is really attached to one by the bonds of affection is better than the closest relation who has no love or sympathy. In the latter view, the proverb enunciates the truth that a friend on the spot in time of calamity is more useful than a brother living at a distance (
μακρὰν οἰκῶν, Septuagint); one is sure of help at once from the former, while application to the latter must occasion delay, and may not be successful. Commentators quote Hesiod,
Ἔργ. καὶ Ημ., 341 -
Τὸν δὲ μάλιστα καλεῖν ὅστις σέθεν ἐγγύθεναίει
Αἰ γάρ τοι καὶ χρῆμ ἐγκώμιον ἄλλο γένηται
Γείτονες ἄζωστοι ἔκιον ζώσαντο δὲ πηοί
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notאַֽל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notforsakeתַּעֲזֹ֗ב(ta·‘ă·zōḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permityour friendרֵֽעֲךָ֨(rê·‘ă·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7453:Friend, companion, fellowor your father’sאָבִ֡יךָ(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherfriend,וְרֵ֪עַ(wə·rê·a‘)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7463:Evil, misery, distress, injuryand do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notgoתָּ֭בוֹא(tā·ḇō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto your brother’sאָחִ֗יךָ(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )houseוּבֵ֥ית(ū·ḇêṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A housein the dayבְּי֣וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof your calamity;אֵידֶ֑ךָ(’ê·ḏe·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 343:Oppression, misfortune, ruinbetterט֥וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, gooda neighborשָׁכֵ֥ן(šā·ḵên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7934:A resident, a fellow-citizennearbyקָ֝ר֗וֹב(qā·rō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138:Nearthan a brotherמֵאָ֥ח(mê·’āḥ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )far away.רָחֽוֹק׃(rā·ḥō·wq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350:Remote, of place, time, precious
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's (Prov. Pro Pr) 
