Lesson 359: Proverbs 17:17
The Blueprint — The Verse
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
addresses family loyalty and friendship in ordinary IsraeliteIsraelite refers to a descendant of Jacob (Israel) and a member of the covenant people chosen by God. The term emphasizes identity rooted in divine promise, covenant loyalty, and participation in God’s redemptive plan. More life. True companionship was tested not in prosperity but adversity. The proverb distinguishes constant love of a friend from the crisis-born solidarity of a brother standing with you in trouble.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Surrounding verses warn about quarrels, fools, and corrupt speech. Here wisdom celebrates relationships that endure: a friend who loves in every season and a brother who comes alongside specifically when adversity strikes, embodying covenant faithfulness in human form.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
Who has loved you at all times, and how can you thank them?
-
How can you be a brother or sister born for someone else's adversity?
-
What is the difference between fair-weather friendship and faithful love?
