25.024 | A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than A Brother | Prov 18:23-24 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Prov 18:23-24 ESV

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

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

-Prov 18:23-24 ESV

A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER

In verse 23, Solomon mentions a sad reality about how human nature tends to indulge the wealthy while being impatient with the poor. Those perceived as "poor" often feel they must ask, even literally "beg when speaking with others, while those who are rich might be tempted towards arrogance and derision. We hear this happens when ‘poor’ are seeking services in government offices including hospitals.

Often, when the poor beg for help, people who are well able to respond with help answer the poor with harsh words. Is money neutral? Money can make some people rude, coarse, and cruel in their treatment of less fortunate people. It seems the rich man who appeared indifferent has mistreated the poor man Lazarus. While, the rich man ate luxuriously, Lazarus was allowed only a few scraps from the rich man's table (see Luke 16:19–21).

From a spiritual perspective, this verse can also be interpreted as a contrast between those who are "poor in spirit" versus those who are arrogant. Jesus calls those who recognize they are poor in spirit as blessed. [Mat 5:3]. Those who are arrogant plan their ways without God, whom He abhors. Prov 16:19). Being poor in spirit is a reference to humility: someone who depends on the Lord to meet their needs. He will naturally gravitate towards a gentler, calmer, and patient attitude.

In verse 24, it is not a guarantee that having large numbers of "friends" always means having many deep, committed allies in times of need. This is a reality especially, in social media like Facebook and Instagram. A "man of many companions" suggests a person seeking popularity and shallow relationships. When times are good, those kinds of associates can be a source of pride, or entertainment. But when times are rough, one finds out quickly who their true friends really are. Even a person well-known and popular can find themselves on hard times, made all the harder when their relationships are superficial.

The prodigal son is an example. When he was penniless, he "began to be in need." Consequently, he took a lowly job feeding pigs His plight was so bad that he longed to eat what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:14-16) Where are his friends? When we trust in men, even close to us, we may be disappointed. It is possible that everyone will leave us, but Jesus never. He is the believer's close, true Friend, who promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb 13:5). He is the one who sticks closer, even loves us unconditionally when we are undeserving of his love.[Rom 5:8]

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