Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. New Living Translation There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. English Standard Version A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Berean Standard Bible A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. King James Bible A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. New King James Version A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. New American Standard Bible A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. NASB 1995 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. NASB 1977 A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Legacy Standard Bible A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Amplified Bible The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. Christian Standard Bible One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Holman Christian Standard Bible A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. American Standard Version He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Contemporary English Version Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family. English Revised Version He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction: but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. GOD'S WORD® Translation Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family. Good News Translation Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers. International Standard Version A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. Majority Standard Bible A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. NET Bible A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. New Heart English Bible A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Webster's Bible Translation A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. World English Bible A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA man with friends—to show himself friendly, "" And there is a lover adhering more than a brother! Young's Literal Translation A man with friends is to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother! Smith's Literal Translation A man of friends for making friendship: and there is love attaching more than a brother. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother. Catholic Public Domain Version A man amiable to society shall be more friendly than a brother. New American Bible There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother. New Revised Standard Version Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere are friends who are merely friends; and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated There are friends who are friends, and there is a friend that is closer than a brother. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Selfishness of the Unfriendly…23The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Cross References John 15:13-15 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” 1 Samuel 18:1-3 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 1 John 4:7-11 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. / This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. ... Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! / Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? ... 1 John 3:16-18 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. / If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” James 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... 2 Samuel 1:26 I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Luke 10:29-37 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” / Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ... Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. / Show hospitality to one another without complaining. / As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. Genesis 44:30-34 So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, / sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. / Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’ ... Treasury of Scripture A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. that hath Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 1 Samuel 19:4,5 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 theeward very good: … there 2 Samuel 1:26 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. John 15:14,15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you… Jump to Previous Adhering Closer Companions Destruction Friend Friendly Friends Hurt Keeps Lover Maketh Nearer Pretend Ruin Ruined Shew Show SticksJump to Next Adhering Closer Companions Destruction Friend Friendly Friends Hurt Keeps Lover Maketh Nearer Pretend Ruin Ruined Shew Show SticksProverbs 18 1. A fool delights not in understandingA man of many companions may come to ruin This phrase highlights the potential pitfalls of having numerous superficial relationships. In ancient Near Eastern culture, social connections were vital for survival and prosperity, yet the proverb warns against relying on quantity over quality. The Hebrew word for "companions" can imply acquaintances rather than deep friendships. This aligns with Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which emphasizes the value of a true friend who can provide support in times of trouble. The warning here is that many companions do not guarantee loyalty or help in adversity, reflecting the biblical theme that true wisdom discerns the depth of relationships. but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man of Many CompanionsThis refers to an individual who surrounds himself with numerous acquaintances or superficial friends. The Hebrew word used here can imply a sense of being broken or shattered, suggesting that these relationships may not be deeply rooted or reliable. 2. The Friend Who Stays Closer This is a reference to a true friend who remains loyal and steadfast, even more so than a family member. The Hebrew word for "friend" here is "rea," which can denote a close companion or confidant. 3. The Brother In ancient Hebrew culture, a brother was considered one of the closest familial relationships, often relied upon for support and protection. The comparison highlights the exceptional loyalty of the true friend. Teaching Points The Danger of Superficial RelationshipsHaving many acquaintances does not equate to having true friends. Superficial relationships can lead to disappointment and ruin when they fail to provide support in times of need. The Value of True Friendship A true friend is invaluable, offering loyalty, support, and love that can surpass even familial bonds. Such friendships should be cherished and nurtured. Christ as the Ultimate Friend Jesus exemplifies the ultimate friend who is closer than a brother, offering unconditional love and sacrifice. Believers are called to emulate this kind of friendship in their relationships. Investing in Deep Relationships Building deep, meaningful relationships requires time, effort, and vulnerability. Christians are encouraged to invest in such friendships, reflecting the love of Christ. Discernment in Choosing Friends It is important to discern and choose friends wisely, seeking those who exhibit godly character and who will encourage spiritual growth.(24) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.--Rather, a man of many friends will suffer loss, for he will impoverish himself by constant hospitality, and in trouble they will desert him (Psalm 41:9); but "there is a friend," one in a thousand, "that sticketh closer than a brother." (Comp. Proverbs 17:17.)Verse 24. - A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. The Authorized Version is certainly not correct. The Hebrew is literally, a man of friends will come to destruction. The word הִתְרועֵעַ (hithroea) is the hithp, infinitive of רעע, "to break or destroy" (comp. Isaiah 24:19); and the maxim means that the man of many friends, who lays himself out to make friends of bad and good alike, does so to his own ruin. They will feed upon him, and exhaust his resources, but will not stand by him in the day of calamity, nay, rather will give a helping hand to his downfall. It is not the number of so called friends that is really useful and precious. But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10). Νόμιζ ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς ἀληθινοὺς φίλους. "Thy true friends hold as very brethren." The Vulgate has, Vir amabilis ad societatem magis amicus erit quam frater, "A man amiable in intercourse will be more of a friend than even a brother." . . . Hebrew A manאִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of many companions רֵ֭עִים (rê·‘îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow may come to ruin, לְהִתְרֹעֵ֑עַ (lə·hiṯ·rō·‘ê·a‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad but there is וְיֵ֥שׁ (wə·yêš) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is a friend אֹ֝הֵ֗ב (’ō·hêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 157: To have affection f who stays closer דָּבֵ֥ק (dā·ḇêq) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1695: A clinging, cleaving than a brother. מֵאָֽח׃ (mê·’āḥ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Links Proverbs 18:24 NIVProverbs 18:24 NLT Proverbs 18:24 ESV Proverbs 18:24 NASB Proverbs 18:24 KJV Proverbs 18:24 BibleApps.com Proverbs 18:24 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 18:24 Chinese Bible Proverbs 18:24 French Bible Proverbs 18:24 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may be (Prov. 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