A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a difficult time. Proverbs 17:17
The purpose of a “brother” is to uphold a family member in “a difficult time.” The Hebrew for “brother” can be used generally for relatives of both genders (Genesis 13:8; 29:15 and Judges 14:3). An other unlikely but possible interpretation is that a “friend” is better because he or she “loves at all times,” not just in difficult times. Either way we are in need of both a “brother” and a “friend.”
Today’s Bible Readings:
Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:18-3:18, Psalm 118:1-18 and Proverbs 28:2