True friends remain steadfast in every circumstance.
Proverbs 17:17 declares, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who reigned over Israel in the 10th century BC, this proverb emphasizes the constancy of genuine friendship and the special role of a brother or close kin in times of hardship. The opening phrase, a friend loves at all times, underscores the idea that real friends act in ways that serve one another’s best interests, offering steady support and care through every season of life. The second line, a brother is born for adversity, suggests that a brother or close companion stands ready when difficulties strike, sacrificing time and resources to help shoulder the load. This fierce commitment during trials points forward to Jesus’ teaching on sacrificial love, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
In considering this verse, we see how closeness and loyalty go hand-in-hand. There can be many acquaintances in a person’s life, but Proverbs 17:17 draws special attention to the precious nature of both friendship and brotherhood, relationships that endure not only during peaceful times but also in moments when life’s challenges threaten to overwhelm us. Such faithfulness reflects the relational design God intended among His people, reminding us that we are called to share in each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
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Proverbs 17:17 meaning
Proverbs 17:17 declares, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who reigned over Israel in the 10th century BC, this proverb emphasizes the constancy of genuine friendship and the special role of a brother or close kin in times of hardship. The opening phrase, a friend loves at all times, underscores the idea that real friends act in ways that serve one another’s best interests, offering steady support and care through every season of life. The second line, a brother is born for adversity, suggests that a brother or close companion stands ready when difficulties strike, sacrificing time and resources to help shoulder the load. This fierce commitment during trials points forward to Jesus’ teaching on sacrificial love, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
In considering this verse, we see how closeness and loyalty go hand-in-hand. There can be many acquaintances in a person’s life, but Proverbs 17:17 draws special attention to the precious nature of both friendship and brotherhood, relationships that endure not only during peaceful times but also in moments when life’s challenges threaten to overwhelm us. Such faithfulness reflects the relational design God intended among His people, reminding us that we are called to share in each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).