Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

The Bible reading from Proverbs 17:17 emphasizes the importance of friendship, stating that a true friend loves at all times and a brother is there to support in times of adversity. The commentary expands on this, explaining that fair-weather friends who only show love when it's convenient are not true friends. It also notes that the bond between brothers in adversity can apply to non-biological relationships as well, like the bond between David and Jonathan. Additional verses highlight principles of friendship like not forsaking old friends (Prov 27:10), correction from friends being an act of faithfulness (Prov 27:6), and the ultimate friend in Christ (Prov 18:24). Overall the theme is that true friendship involves sacrifice, being present in bad times as well as good, correction when needed, and loyalty.

The reflections on friendship we see in Proverbs are very convicting. How many of my friendships have been fair-weather? How often have I avoided wounding my friends with caring correction because it might damage our relationship? And do I forsake old friends when moving on to new seasons of life? True Christlike friendship requires commitment and sacrifice. As a friend and brother of both biological and spiritual family, I need to follow Jesus' example of laying down my life for those I call friends. That means being present and loyal in good times and bad, offering loving correction when needed, staying connected across time and distance, and extending grace at my own inconvenience. I can only do this by drawing continually from Christ’s well of friendship that never runs dry. His unwavering loyalty compels me to show that same heart to others. Lord, teach me what it means to love as you have loved me.

Father, forgive me for the times I have been a fair-weather friend. Give me the courage and compassion to stand with my friends in adversity, offer loving correction, remain loyal across time and distance, and sacrifice my own comfort to serve them. Fill me continually with your perfect friendship so I can overflow it to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.