Proverbs 27:10

KJV

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thine own friend {H7453}, and thy father's {H1} friend {H7453}, forsake {H5800} not; neither go {H935} into thy brother's {H251} house {H1004} in the day {H3117} of thy calamity {H343}: for better {H2896} is a neighbour {H7934} that is near {H7138} than a brother {H251} far off {H7350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't abandon a friend who is also a friend of your father. Don't enter your brother's house on the day of your calamity -better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

American Standard Version

Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; And go not to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:10 offers profound wisdom on the enduring nature of relationships, advocating for steadfast loyalty to long-standing friends, including those inherited from one's father. It pragmatically advises against relying solely on distant family in times of crisis, asserting that the immediate, tangible support of a nearby neighbor is often more beneficial than the theoretical aid of a brother far away. This proverb underscores the strategic importance of proximity and active presence in providing effective help during adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25-29), often characterized by practical wisdom for daily living, social interactions, and personal character. This particular verse employs a form of synthetic parallelism, where the second clause expands upon or completes the thought of the first, culminating in a clear, comparative statement. It fits within a broader theme in Proverbs that emphasizes the value of true friendship and the practical realities of life, contrasting the ideal with the effective. The counsel to not forsake friends aligns with other proverbs that extol the virtues of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, such as those found in [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend's Loyalty") and [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kinship ties were paramount, forming the bedrock of social, economic, and security structures. Family (the "brother") was expected to be the primary source of support. However, this proverb acknowledges the practical limitations of this ideal in a pre-modern world where travel was arduous, communication slow, and physical distance a significant barrier to immediate assistance. The concept of "thy father's friend" highlights the cultural value placed on generational loyalty and the continuity of trusted relationships, suggesting that friendships cultivated over time, even those inherited, were considered invaluable assets. The "neighbor" (שָׁכֵן, *shâkên*) was not merely someone living next door but often a fellow clan member or a trusted individual within the immediate community, whose physical presence made them uniquely capable of offering timely aid in a "day of calamity."

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 27:10 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Enduring Loyalty**, particularly to established friendships, emphasizing the wisdom of valuing long-standing trust and shared history. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Practical Aid in Adversity**, offering a pragmatic view of help during "calamity," where immediate, accessible support is often superior to theoretical or distant assistance. This perspective is echoed in [Proverbs 24:10](/proverbs/24-10 "Proverbs 24:10 - Fainting in Adversity"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **The Value of Proximity** in relationships, asserting that physical presence and availability are crucial aspects of true help, especially when facing hardship. This theme subtly challenges an exclusive reliance on kinship, promoting a broader understanding of community support.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Friend (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** (H7453) This term denotes an associate, companion, or fellow, encompassing a relationship that can be more or less close. In this context, it speaks to a bond of mutual trust and companionship, distinct from familial ties. The proverb elevates the *rêaʻ* who is present and loyal, suggesting that such a relationship can be as, or even more, vital than a distant family member in times of need.
* **Calamity (Hebrew, _ʼêyd'_):** (H343) Derived from a root meaning "to bend down," this word signifies oppression, misfortune, or ruin. It refers to a time of acute distress, disaster, or severe difficulty. The proverb specifically addresses the "day of thy calamity," emphasizing the urgency and severity of the moment when practical, immediate help is most critical.
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) This adjective means "good" in its widest sense, often used comparatively as "better." Here, it functions to highlight the superior practical value of a nearby neighbor's presence over a distant brother's absence during a crisis. It's not a moral judgment on family, but a pragmatic assessment of effectiveness in a specific situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not":** This initial imperative sets the tone, urging the reader to maintain and cherish long-standing friendships. The inclusion of "thy father's friend" emphasizes the value of inherited relationships and the wisdom of continuing bonds of trust across generations. To "forsake" (H5800, *ʻâzab*) implies an active choice to abandon or neglect, highlighting the importance of intentional loyalty.
* **"neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity":** This is a surprising and often misunderstood clause. It does not forbid seeking help from family, but rather offers a pragmatic caution. In a "day of calamity" (H3117, *yôwm* of H343, *ʼêyd*), relying *solely* on a distant brother's house (H1004, *bayith*) might be impractical or ineffective due to the physical distance (H7350, *râchôwq*). The counsel is to consider the most effective source of immediate aid.
* **"for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off":** This concluding statement provides the rationale for the preceding advice. It is a powerful comparative proverb. A "neighbor that is near" (H7934, *shâkên* who is H7138, *qârôwb*) is physically present and readily available to offer tangible assistance. This practical proximity (H7138, *qârôwb*) makes them "better" (H2896, *ṭôwb*) in a crisis than a "brother far off" (H251, *ʼâch* who is H7350, *râchôwq*), whose kinship bond, while strong, is rendered less effective by distance.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb primarily utilizes **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse expands upon or completes the thought introduced in the first, leading to a conclusive statement. The initial admonition to maintain friendships is followed by a practical application concerning times of need, culminating in a clear declaration of the value of proximity. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, setting the "neighbor that is near" against the "brother far off." This contrast highlights the pragmatic reality that while familial bonds are important, immediate, accessible help often outweighs theoretical or distant support during a crisis. The verse itself is a classic example of **Proverbial Wisdom**, conveying a concise, memorable, and practical truth about human relationships and the nature of effective aid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:10 offers a profound, practical theology of community and mutual support that transcends mere kinship. It teaches that while family bonds are foundational, true wisdom recognizes the critical importance of accessible, active presence in times of need. This aligns with a broader biblical emphasis on loving one's neighbor and bearing one another's burdens, suggesting that practical acts of care often speak louder than theoretical obligations. The proverb doesn't diminish the value of family but elevates the crucial role of those who are physically present and willing to offer tangible help, reflecting God's design for humanity to live in supportive, interconnected communities.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend's Loyalty"): "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
* [Luke 10:29-37](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"): Jesus' parable redefines "neighbor" not by kinship or proximity, but by compassionate action, underscoring the spiritual truth that true neighborliness is demonstrated through practical help.
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens"): "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:10 calls us to a thoughtful and intentional approach to our relationships, urging us to cultivate and cherish those friendships that have stood the test of time, including those passed down through generations. It reminds us that in the face of life's inevitable "calamities," the most valuable support often comes not from distant, albeit well-meaning, ties, but from those who are physically present and practically available. This wisdom encourages us to be proactive in building strong, local community bonds, fostering a spirit of mutual care and readiness to assist. It challenges us to be the kind of "neighbor who is near" for others, recognizing that our presence and practical help can be a lifeline in their day of trouble. Conversely, it advises humility and discernment in seeking help, directing us towards sources of aid that are genuinely able to provide timely and tangible assistance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively cultivate and maintain my friendships, especially those with a long history or those inherited from my family's relationships?**
* **In what ways can I be a more present and practical "neighbor" to those in my immediate community, ready to offer tangible support in their times of need?**
* **When facing "calamity," how do I discern where to seek the most effective and timely support, balancing the desire for family connection with the need for practical assistance?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb devalue family relationships in favor of friendships?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 27:10 does not devalue family. Instead, it offers a pragmatic piece of wisdom about the effectiveness of support during a crisis. In ancient times, travel was difficult, and communication limited. A distant brother, no matter how loving, might be unable to offer immediate, tangible help in a "day of calamity." The proverb highlights that in such urgent situations, a "neighbor that is near" can provide more practical and timely assistance. It's a statement about the *utility* of proximity and presence when help is most needed, rather than a judgment on the inherent value of family bonds. The Bible consistently upholds the importance of family, but this verse adds a layer of practical discernment for real-world situations, emphasizing that true love often manifests in active, present support, as seen in the example of the Good Samaritan in [Luke 10:29-37](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the practical value of a "neighbor that is near" in times of earthly calamity, Christ is the ultimate "Friend who sticks closer than a brother" ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")) and the ever-present "Neighbor" who came near to us in our greatest "calamity"—our sin and separation from God. He did not remain "far off" in heaven, but "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), entering into our human experience to offer tangible, saving help. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of being "near" in our day of ruin, bearing our burdens and offering redemption that no distant relative or theoretical good intention could provide. Through His Spirit, Christ remains perpetually "near" to believers, an ever-present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")). Furthermore, His command to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")) empowers His followers, the Church, to embody this proverb's wisdom, becoming a community of "neighbors who are near" for one another and for the world, actively demonstrating His love through practical support and compassionate presence, just as He did for us ([1 John 3:16-18](/1_john/3-16 "1 John 3:16-18 - Love in Action")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:24

¶ A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

Luke 10:30

And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead.

Luke 10:37

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

1 Kings 12:6

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

1 Kings 12:8

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him:

Proverbs 17:17

¶ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Obadiah 1:12

But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.