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Bible verse
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
What it means
A real friend does not love only in the easy seasons but stays through the low ones, and family proves itself most when hardship comes. This is love measured not by warmth in good weather but by presence in the storm. It quietly describes the kind of loyalty we all long to receive and are called to give. Christ is the friend who loved to the very end, who calls us brothers and stays closer than any other. Be that kind of friend today, and remember you already have one.
Proverbs 17:17 at a glance
| Reference | Proverbs 17:17 |
|---|---|
| Book | Proverbs |
| Chapter to read it in | Proverbs 17 |
| Topic | relationships |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Scripture explains Scripture. These passages are linked to this one most often by readers.
- Proverbs 18:24
- John 15:13-14
- 1 Samuel 20:17
- Ruth 1:16
- 1 Samuel 18:3
- Proverbs 19:7
- Hebrews 2:11
- 2 Samuel 1:26
- Esther 4:14
- 2 Samuel 9:1-13
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Proverbs 17:17?
It is in Proverbs, in Proverbs 17. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Proverbs 17:17?
Readers most often set it beside Proverbs 18:24, John 15:13-14, 1 Samuel 20:17, Ruth 1:16. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Proverbs 17:17?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Father, you are already present in Proverbs 17:17, before any of us arrive. We bring you Proverbs 17:17, relationships. Teach us to love one another, as you have loved us. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Three small things you can do this week.
- Read all of Proverbs 17 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Proverbs 17:17 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
