Proverbs 27:10

French (Catholique Crampon 1923)

N’abandonne pas ton ami et l’ami de ton père, et n’entre pas dans la maison de ton frère au jour de ta détresse, mieux vaut un voisin proche qu’un frère éloigné.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us to value and keep close friends and family, especially when you need help. It suggests that a friend who is close by can be more helpful than a distant relative. The key message is about the importance of nearby support and loyalty.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have two friends - one lives next door and another lives far away. This verse says that when you need help, the friend next door can help you more than the friend far away. It's like having a helper who can come over quickly!

Historical Background

Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, was written around 950 BC. The book is a collection of wisdom sayings intended for the Israelite audience, emphasizing practical advice for living a good life and understanding the consequences of one's actions.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you need urgent help with a family emergency. Your best friend who lives nearby can quickly assist you, while a relative living far away may not be as accessible. This verse teaches us to cherish close relationships for their immediate value.

Topics

• friendship
• family
• loyalty
• support
• wisdom
• relationships

Related Verses

• Genesis 19:29
• Ruth 2:20
• Ecclesiastes 4:9
• Matthew 25:35
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the verse mention both friends and family?

The verse emphasizes the value of both close friends and family, highlighting that loyalty and support from both can be crucial during hard times.

Can a friend be closer than a family member?

Yes, the verse suggests that a nearby friend can be more helpful than a distant family member, emphasizing the importance of immediate support.

What does it mean to 'forsake not' a friend?

To 'forsake not' means to keep in touch and support your friends and family, maintaining those close relationships.

How can this verse be applied to modern social relationships?

In today's context, it can be applied by valuing and maintaining close local relationships, especially those that can offer immediate support during challenging times.