Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Don't abandon your own friends or your father's friends. When trouble comes, don't just run to your family for help. A neighbor who lives nearby and is willing to help is better than a brother who lives far away.
This verse is teaching that loyal, nearby friends can be more valuable than distant family members when you need help.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of King Solomon, proverbs were used to impart practical wisdom for living wisely in community, drawing from everyday experiences to guide moral and social behavior. This verse emphasizes the value of loyal friends and ancestral connections in a society where survival often depended on local support networks, as people faced frequent challenges like famine or conflict. It reflects a cultural reality where physical distance could make even family members unreliable, prioritizing nearby allies for immediate assistance.
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