Proverbs 18:24

Commentary on Proverbs 18:24 (King James Version)

1. The Text

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

2. Literary and Biblical Context

Proverbs 18[i] sits within the broader collection of Solomon’s sayings (Proverbs 10–22), where wisdom is expressed through short, memorable contrasts. The chapter deals with themes such as speech, justice, humility, and relationships. It highlights how words and actions reveal the heart and shape community life.

Several verses in this chapter speak to relational wisdom:

• Proverbs 18:1 (KJV)
  “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.”
• Proverbs 18:2 (KJV)
  “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
• Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

These verses frame Proverbs 18:24 by showing that relationships flourish or fail through character, speech, and humility.

3. Exegetical Commentary on Proverbs 18:24

3.1 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly”

The Hebrew text is notoriously difficult here. The phrase can be translated in two main ways:

1. The traditional KJV reading:
   Friendship requires friendliness, generosity, and reliability.
   The wise person invests in relationships rather than assuming they will simply exist.
2. An alternative reading found in many modern translations:
   “A man of many companions may come to ruin.”
   This highlights the danger of superficial relationships.

Both readings are consistent with biblical wisdom. Proverbs often warns against shallow or self-serving relationships (Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 19:4, 6–7).

The KJV emphasises active responsibility. Friendship is not passive. It requires:

• initiative
• kindness
• loyalty
• truthfulness
• sacrificial love

This aligns with the broader biblical ethic of neighbour-love (Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34).

3.2 “And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother”

The second half of the verse introduces a contrast:

• Many acquaintances may disappoint.
• But one true friend can surpass even family loyalty.

The phrase “sticketh closer” evokes covenant-like faithfulness. The Hebrew verb suggests clinging or cleaving, similar to the language of Genesis 2:24.

This friend is:

• steadfast
• reliable
• present in adversity
• committed beyond obligation

Proverbs elsewhere praises such loyalty:

• Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
  “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Theologically, Christians have long recognised that this verse finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, the true and faithful friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19; John 15:13–15).

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4. Theological Themes

4.1 The Nature of True Friendship

Biblical friendship is covenantal, not transactional. It reflects God’s own faithful character. True friendship involves:

• constancy
• truth-telling
• sacrificial love
• mutual encouragement toward godliness

4.2 Human Limitation and Divine Faithfulness

Human friendships, even the best ones, are imperfect. Proverbs 18:24 points us to the Friend who never fails. Jesus calls His disciples “friends” and demonstrates this by laying down His life for them (John 15:13–15).

4.3 The Church as a Community of Faithful Friends

The New Testament vision of the church is a family bound not by blood but by the Spirit. Proverbs 18:24 anticipates the kind of relationships the gospel creates: deep, loyal, Christ-shaped friendships.

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5. Application to Modern Christian Living

5.1 Cultivating Friendliness

Friendship requires intentionality. In a culture marked by busyness and digital superficiality, Christians are called to:

• initiate contact
• practise hospitality
• listen well
• speak truth in love
• show patience and forgiveness

Friendliness is not mere niceness; it is Christlike love expressed in everyday life.

5.2 Choosing Friends Wisely

Not all relationships are equally wise. Proverbs encourages discernment. Christians should seek friends who:

• encourage godliness
• speak truth
• model humility
• persevere in love

5.3 Being a Faithful Friend in Hard Times

The “friend that sticketh closer than a brother” is a model for us. Faithful friendship means:

• showing up when it is inconvenient
• bearing burdens
• praying for one another
• offering gentle correction
• standing firm when others walk away

5.4 Resting in Christ’s Perfect Friendship

Even the best human friendships cannot meet our deepest needs. Christ alone is:

• perfectly faithful
• always present
• endlessly patient
• fully understanding
• sacrificially loving

His friendship frees us from demanding perfection from others and empowers us to love generously.

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6. Meditation Guide

Use the following steps for personal reflection or group discussion.

6.1 Read the Verse Slowly

Read Proverbs 18:24 aloud several times. Notice the contrast between many friends and one true friend.
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

6.2 Reflect on Your Friendships

• Where have you experienced faithful friendship?
• Where have you been hurt by superficial relationships?
• How might you grow in friendliness and reliability?

6.3 Consider Christ’s Friendship

Meditate on Jesus as the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Reflect on:

• His constancy
• His sacrifice
• His presence
• His patience

6.4 Pray for Wisdom

Ask God to:

• shape your character
• deepen your friendships
• help you love others as Christ has loved you
• strengthen your church community

6.5 Take One Practical Step

Choose one concrete action this week:

• send an encouraging message
• invite someone for a meal
• apologise where needed
• offer help to someone struggling

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[i] Proverbs 18

King James Version

18 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.