Proverbs 17:15-28
A friend loves at all times,
Proverbs 17:17
and a brother is born for adversity.
“Friend”. That is a word that gets used quite a lot in today’s world. We have even turned it from a noun into a verb, so we can readily “friend” someone on social media. And we can even more readily “unfriend” them — which should tell us something! So what is a “friend” really? And what is a “brother” really?
This proverb is more than just observational; it is definitional. That is, this proverb tells us what a true friend or brother is: one who loves at all times and who sticks by through adversity. Such friends (and brothers and sisters) are far more rare than the acquaintances or buddies that we usually mean when we toss the word “friend” around. What kinds of friends do you have? Perhaps more importantly, what kind of friend are you?
Regardless of those in your social circle, one thing is certain: there is One Who loves at all times and Who was indeed born for adversity, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 (NIV)