Proverbs 18:24

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

A man {H376} that hath friends {H7453} must shew himself friendly {H7489}: and there is {H3426} a friend {H157} that sticketh closer {H1695} than a brother {H251}.

Some "friends" pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Commentary

This verse from the book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom on the nature and value of friendship, contrasting the effort required to maintain relationships with the exceptional loyalty found in a true friend.

Context

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon, offering guidance on living a godly and successful life. Chapter 18 focuses on the power of words, the dangers of isolation, and the importance of relationships. This verse specifically addresses the dynamics of friendship within the broader social fabric of ancient Israelite society, where family ties were paramount.

Key Themes

  • Reciprocity in Relationships: The first part emphasizes that having friends requires active effort and kindness from oneself.
  • The Nature of True Friendship: It highlights the possibility of a bond of friendship being even stronger and more loyal than familial ties.
  • Loyalty and Steadfastness: The verse praises the quality of a friend who "sticketh closer," signifying deep commitment and reliability.
  • The Value of Deep Connection: It points to the immense worth of having a truly loyal companion.

Linguistic Insights

The first part, "A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly," involves the Hebrew word related to "companion" or "associate" (רָעָה - rā'ah). The KJV translation emphasizes the need to actively demonstrate friendliness. While some modern translations interpret this part differently (e.g., "A man of many companions may come to ruin"), the KJV rendering highlights the principle of reciprocity – that healthy relationships require effort and a friendly disposition on our part.

The second part, "there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother," uses the Hebrew word for friend (רֵעַ - rea') and the verb "sticketh" (דָּבַק - dabaq), meaning to cling or cleave. This same verb is used elsewhere to describe strong bonds, like that between a husband and wife (Genesis 2:24). Comparing this bond to that of a brother (אָח - 'ach) is significant, as brotherhood was traditionally the strongest familial tie.

Commentary & Application

The proverb presents two facets of friendship. Firstly, it lays a foundational principle: if you desire friends, you must be willing to invest in those relationships by being friendly yourself. Friendship isn't passive; it requires engagement, kindness, and mutual effort.

Secondly, it speaks to the existence of a rare and precious kind of friend – one whose loyalty and bond surpass even that of a sibling. This isn't to devalue family, but to elevate the potential depth and steadfastness of a truly devoted friend. Such a friend is present in times of need and adversity, offering unwavering support.

In practical application, this verse encourages us to be intentional about cultivating friendliness in our interactions. It also prompts us to cherish and be grateful for those exceptionally loyal friends in our lives. For believers, this proverb often points ultimately to Jesus Christ as the ultimate friend who sticks closer than a brother, demonstrating unparalleled loyalty and love by laying down His life (John 15:13).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 17:17 (47 votes)

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

  • John 15:13 (37 votes)

    Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

  • John 15:15 (37 votes)

    Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  • Proverbs 27:9 (21 votes)

    ¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

  • 2 Samuel 1:26 (11 votes)

    I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

  • 1 Samuel 19:4 (9 votes)

    And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works [have been] to thee-ward very good:

  • 1 Samuel 19:5 (9 votes)

    For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?