What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:10? Do not forsake your friend “Do not forsake your friend…” (Proverbs 27:10a) • Long-standing friends are gifts from God meant to be cherished, not discarded when new seasons or new interests arise (Proverbs 17:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Friendship entails commitment, loyalty, and readiness to stand with one another in hardship—mirroring the self-giving love Jesus commended (John 15:13). • Forsaking a faithful companion erodes the mutual safety God built into covenant relationships (1 Samuel 20:42). Guard those ties by: – Regular contact and genuine listening – Prayerful support in temptation or grief – Defending your friend’s reputation when absent …or your father’s friend “…or your father’s friend…” (Proverbs 27:10b) • Respecting friendships that predate us honors both past and present; it preserves generational faithfulness (2 Samuel 9:1-7; 1 Kings 2:7). • Your parents’ godly companions often watched you grow, prayed for your family, and carry wisdom earned over time—an invaluable network when crises arise (Job 12:12). • Practical steps: – Keep their phone numbers handy – Invite them into family milestones – Seek counsel before big decisions (Proverbs 11:14) and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity “…and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity…” (Proverbs 27:10c) • The verse is not downplaying family loyalty (see Proverbs 17:17) but warns against presuming help that may be unavailable due to distance, timing, or capacity (Proverbs 25:17). • Calamity demands immediate aid; a frantic journey to a far-off sibling can waste precious hours. • God encourages prudent planning: cultivate local support so you’re not left stranded when adversity strikes (Genesis 41:33-36; Nehemiah 4:13-14). better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away “…better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” (Proverbs 27:10d) • Geographic proximity allows swift intervention—neighbors can call 911, bring food, or offer shelter before a distant relative even hears the news (Luke 10:33-35). • Community thrives when believers act as “neighbors” in the fullest sense: – Watchfulness for each other’s welfare (Philippians 2:4) – Willingness to share resources (Acts 4:34-35) – Presence that reassures in the midnight hour (Psalm 91:1) • The principle also urges each of us to be that available neighbor; loving others as ourselves fulfills the Law (Romans 13:9-10). summary Proverbs 27:10 teaches covenant loyalty: honor the friends God has already given—including those of the previous generation—because steadfast relationships are a lifeline. In a crisis, practical help often comes from people close at hand; therefore, invest in local community and be the ready neighbor others can rely on. |
    |