Proverbs 17:1-28

Proverbs 17:1-28

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

Adversity is defined in the dictionary as "a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress"; some synonyms are "catastrophe, disaster; trouble, misery". When I was young I used to think "Well, the Lord sure has my brother pegged! He causes me nothing but trouble. But that's kind of an odd verse to have in the Bible."

Siblings aren't born to cause us trouble, they are there to help us in times of adversity! Friends and family members can be such a source of support and strength when we go through times of adversity. Times like this are going to come on us all. Jesus said "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." I recently heard a quote that I liked: "The storm also beats on the house that is built on the rock."

When we face adversity, isn't it good that God knows we need others to help us go through it, and so has provided us friends and family? A true friend loves us all the time, and will pray for us, and support us through the valleys of life.