Proverbs 18:24 kjv

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

Proverbs 18:24 nkjv

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 niv

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 esv

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 nlt

There are "friends" who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 24 Meaning

Proverbs 18:24 speaks to the nature of human relationships, contrasting two distinct types of connections. The first part, subject to interpretive nuance, is often understood to mean that a person with many superficial companions or acquaintances may ultimately find themselves ruined or disappointed when true loyalty is needed. This highlights the fragility of numerous, less committed relationships. In stark contrast, the second part presents a profound truth: there exists a specific kind of friend whose loyalty and steadfastness surpass even the deeply valued bond of a blood brother. This emphasizes the supreme worth of a truly devoted, unwavering friendship, which is built on genuine love and commitment rather than mere association or convenience.

Proverbs 18 24 Context

Proverbs 18 is part of the collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22:16), which are short, pithy sayings designed to impart wisdom for navigating life. The chapter addresses a variety of themes including the value of wisdom, the dangers of foolishness, the power of speech, conflict resolution, and the significance of wealth, reputation, and relationships.

Verse 24, specifically, sits within a section that often discusses social dynamics and the impact of one's relationships. In a culture where family and kinship were paramount, and the bond of a brother was exceptionally strong and protective, the assertion that a friend could be "closer than a brother" carried immense weight. This highlighted that genuine bonds of affection and loyalty could sometimes transcend even the deepest familial ties, demonstrating that true friendship is not simply about shared lineage or proximity but about intentional, deep-seated devotion.

Proverbs 18 24 Word analysis

• A man (אִישׁ - ’ish): A common Hebrew term for an individual male or person in general, indicating that this proverb applies to any human.
• of many companions / has friends (רֵעִים - re'im): The plural of רֵעַ (rea‘), which means "companion, neighbor, friend, acquaintance." Unlike the deeper word for "friend" (אֹהֵב - ohev) later in the verse, rea‘ often implies a more casual or general association, akin to one's associates or numerous acquaintances.
• may come to ruin / must show himself friendly (יִתְרֹעֵעַ - yitrōʿēaʿ): This is the most debated part of the verse, leading to differing translations. The verb is the Hithpael stem of the root רָעַע (rāʿaʿ).
  • From רָעַע "to be broken, evil, bad": In the Hithpael, it often implies "to be broken to pieces, to be ruined, to shatter oneself." This is the widely accepted scholarly interpretation, suggesting that a person relying on many superficial friends will find themselves shattered or disappointed in times of need. Their many associations may prove brittle and unreliable.
  • From a rarer sense related to רֵעַ "companion": Some older interpretations connect it to "showing oneself friendly" or "making many friends for oneself," implying a necessity for a person with friends to cultivate those relationships actively. This is less favored by modern lexicography given the stronger, common meaning of the root.
• and (וְ - vĕ): A simple conjunction, but here it acts adversatively ("but"), setting up a contrast with the preceding statement.
• there is (יֵשׁ - yesh): Signifies existence, confirming the presence of such a rare and valuable friend.
• a friend (אֹהֵב - ’ohēv): This is a significantly stronger term than rea‘. It is an active participle from the verb אָהֵב ('ahev), "to love." Thus, 'ohev means "one who loves," indicating a deep, affectionate, and committed relationship based on love and loyalty, not just acquaintance or proximity. This highlights the emotional depth of the bond.
• who sticks closer / who clings (דֹּבֵק - dōvēq): An active participle from the verb דָּבַק (dāvaq), which means "to cling, stick fast, adhere, join together." This powerful word denotes profound intimacy, inseparable attachment, and unwavering loyalty. It is often used to describe Israel's fidelity to God (Deut 4:4), or a husband's bond with his wife (Gen 2:24), emphasizing strong, abiding commitment.
• than a brother (מֵאָח - me’ach): Literally "from a brother" or "more than a brother." This comparative phrase elevates the significance of this ohev above the familial bond of brotherhood, which was considered the epitome of loyalty and shared identity in ancient Near Eastern culture. It underscores the exceptional, self-sacrificial nature of such a friendship.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "A man of many companions may come to ruin": This phrase warns against the deceptive nature of widespread, casual relationships. Relying on quantity over quality in friendships can lead to disillusionment or even downfall when true support is needed. These "friends" often disappear in times of adversity.
• "but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother": This powerful contrasting statement offers a hope and a high ideal. It describes a rare and precious bond of unconditional loyalty and steadfast love that surpasses even the closest familial ties. This "friend" is not just an acquaintance but a truly loving, committed individual who remains constant and devoted in all circumstances.

Proverbs 18 24 Bonus section

The interpretation of the first part of Proverbs 18:24 ("A man of many companions may come to ruin") largely depends on scholarly understanding of the Hebrew root rāʿaʿ and its Hithpael form, yitrōʿēaʿ. While the KJV/NKJV's "a man that hath friends must show himself friendly" leans towards a reciprocal or reflective sense of 'being friendly', the predominant scholarly consensus connects yitrōʿēaʿ with the more common meaning of rāʿaʿ as 'to be broken' or 'to come to ruin'. This makes the first clause a cautionary statement about the emptiness or danger of having too many casual 'friends' who scatter in adversity, serving as a direct contrast to the faithful friend mentioned in the second clause. This understanding sharpens the proverb's point, emphasizing the critical difference between fleeting popularity and enduring loyalty.

Proverbs 18 24 Commentary

Proverbs 18:24 encapsulates profound wisdom concerning the quality versus quantity of relationships. It serves as a caution against mistaking numerous casual acquaintances for true, reliable support. A person with many superficial companions might experience ruin, not necessarily because the companions are actively malicious, but because they are unreliable fair-weather friends who abandon when trials arise. This superficiality is a false security.

In sharp contrast, the proverb then celebrates the ultimate standard of human loyalty: a friend who demonstrates an unwavering, adhesive bond, exceeding even the traditionally strongest familial tie of a brother. This 'friend who sticks' is characterized by a deep, enduring love and faithfulness (the Hebrew ohev and dovaq are crucial here, denoting a loving, clinging attachment). This person offers genuine stability, presence, and unwavering support in all seasons of life. Christian interpretations often see in this 'friend who sticks closer than a brother' an ultimate reference to Jesus Christ, whose self-sacrificial love and constant presence perfectly embody this ultimate friendship, and also inspire believers to cultivate such loyal relationships themselves. It reminds us to invest deeply in few, truly loyal relationships and to embody such loyalty ourselves.