Proverbs 27:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Proverbs 27:10 offers profound wisdom on the nature of enduring relationships, emphasizing loyalty, practical support, and the strategic importance of proximity in times of need.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, family bonds were incredibly strong, forming the primary social and economic unit. However, this proverb highlights that while kinship was vital, the practical realities of life, especially in times of crisis, often made a nearby friend or neighbor more effective than a distant relative. Travel was arduous, and communication limited, so immediate assistance from those physically close could be invaluable. The phrase "thy father's friend" underscores the cultural value placed on generational loyalty and the continuity of trusted relationships, suggesting that friendships cultivated over time, even inherited ones, should be cherished and not abandoned.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Enduring Loyalty: The verse strongly advocates for maintaining long-standing friendships, both one's own and those inherited from parents. This speaks to the wisdom of valuing established trust and shared history.
  • Practical Aid in Adversity: It offers a pragmatic view of help during "calamity." While a brother's affection might be assumed, their physical absence renders them less useful than a present neighbor. This theme is echoed in Proverbs 17:17, which states, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
  • The Value of Proximity: The core message is that immediate, accessible support is often superior to theoretical or distant help. In times of trouble, a "neighbour that is near" proves more beneficial than a "brother far off," underscoring that presence and availability are crucial aspects of true help.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "forsake" is 'azav (עָזַב), which means to abandon, neglect, or leave. This emphasizes the active choice to maintain or sever relationships. "Calamity" comes from 'eyd (אֵיד), referring to disaster, misfortune, or ruin, highlighting a time of acute need. The term for "neighbour," shachen (שָׁכֵן), simply means one who dwells near, reinforcing the literal aspect of physical closeness and accessibility.

Practical Application

Proverbs 27:10 encourages believers to be intentional about cultivating and preserving meaningful relationships, particularly those that offer practical support.

  • Cherish Loyal Friends: Actively invest in and maintain friendships that have stood the test of time. These relationships are a precious resource that can provide comfort and aid when you most need it.
  • Be a Good Neighbor: Recognize the importance of your immediate community. Being a good neighbor means being available and supportive when needed, which can be far more impactful than distant family ties during a crisis. This aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on loving your neighbor as yourself.
  • Seek Practical Support: In times of personal difficulty, wisdom dictates seeking help from those who are genuinely able and willing to offer immediate, tangible assistance, rather than relying solely on distant connections.
This verse reminds us that while blood is thick, practical presence and consistent loyalty are often thicker when navigating life's challenges, reflecting a deep understanding of human need and community dynamics.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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