Proverbs 17:17
“17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.”
One of life’s greatest blessings is the gift of friendship. In a world where relationships can be shallow, conditional, and fleeting, Scripture offers us a profound reminder of what true friendship looks like. Proverbs 17:17 encapsulates the essence of godly friendship: unwavering love and support, especially in times of adversity.
Let’s break this verse down and let it speak deeply to our hearts and relationships today.
A Friend Loves at All Times
The first half of Proverbs 17:17 is both a description and a challenge: “A friend loves at all times.”
That doesn’t say a friend loves when it’s easy. It doesn’t say a friend loves when it’s convenient. No — a true friend loves at all times: in the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This is unconditional love — the kind of love that mirrors the heart of Christ.
Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That’s not poetic exaggeration. That’s the reality of what Jesus did for us — and the example He left us to follow.
True friends are not fair-weather companions. They don’t disappear when things get hard. They don’t withdraw when you’re at your lowest. Real friendship is shown in consistency — through seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow. It’s easy to find people to celebrate with you when you’re winning. But who is sitting with you when you’re weeping? That’s where friendship proves its worth.
Think of David and Jonathan. Jonathan, son of Saul, had every reason to be jealous of David — David was the rising star of Israel. But instead of competition, Jonathan offered covenant. He stood by David’s side, defended him against his father, and loved him “as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1). That is the kind of love Proverbs 17:17 points to — steadfast, loyal, and sacrificial.
A Brother Is Born for a Time of Adversity
The second half of the verse shifts to adversity — life’s inevitable struggles. “…and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
When pain comes, when loss comes, when the storms rage — that’s when true character is revealed. God often uses adversity to show us who our real family is. Sometimes it’s blood, but often it’s the people who show up, who lean in, who stay — no matter what.
A brother, in this context, may not always mean someone related by blood. The Bible uses familial language to describe those connected by love and faith. Jesus said in Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Brotherhood and sisterhood in the Kingdom are about spiritual connection and covenant loyalty.
When adversity comes — and it will — a real friend becomes like family. They don’t just text a prayer emoji. They show up. They bring food. They listen without fixing. They speak hope. They help carry your burdens.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The law of Christ is love. Real friendship fulfills that law.
Friendship Reflects the Heart of God
Friendship isn’t just a social construct — it’s a reflection of God’s character. God exists in relationship — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When He made us in His image, He created us for community.
Jesus called His disciples friends. He said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). Think about that — the Savior of the world wants to be your friend.
Jesus is the ultimate Proverbs 17:17 friend. He loves us at all times — even when we fail Him. He was born for our adversity — literally coming down into our mess, our sin, our sorrow, to rescue us. He’s the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
If you want to know how to be a friend, look at Jesus. If you want to find friends like that, start by being one.
How Do We Live This Out?
- Be Present: Show up. Not just when it’s fun, but when it’s hard.
- Be Loyal: Don’t gossip about your friends. Defend their character. Protect their dignity.
- Be Honest: Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted.” Speak truth in love.
- Be Prayerful: Pray for your friends. Lift them up before the Lord. There is no greater gift.
- Be Like Jesus: Love sacrificially, forgive freely, and serve humbly.
Friendship is not a side benefit of life — it’s central to God’s design for us. A friend who loves at all times, and a brother who stands with you in adversity — this is a treasure from heaven. Seek that kind of friendship. Cultivate it. Cherish it. And most of all, embody it.
Let’s thank God today for the gift of true friendship, and ask Him to make us friends who reflect His love in every season.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father,
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of true friendship — for those who love us at all times and walk with us through adversity.
Help us to be faithful friends, reflecting the love of Jesus in our words and actions.
Teach us to be present, loyal, honest, and compassionate, just as Christ is to us.
Strengthen the bonds of love in our lives, and guide us to deepen relationships that honor You.
May we never take for granted the friends You’ve placed in our path.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
