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17 A friend is always loyal,
    and a brother is born to help in time of need.

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17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is there[a] for times of trouble.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:17 Lit. born

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

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24 A man with many[a] friends can still be ruined,
    but one who keeps on loving sticks closer than a brother.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:24 The Heb. lacks many

Wounds from a sincere friend
    are better than many kisses from an enemy.

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Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy,
    but kisses from an enemy speak volumes.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:6 Lit. enemy are profuse

The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

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Ointments and perfume encourage the heart;
    in a similar way, a friend’s advice is sweet to the soul.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:9 So MT; LXX reads heart; but through misfortune the soul is torn apart

10 Never abandon a friend—
    either yours or your father’s.
When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.
    It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

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10 Never abandon your friend nor your father’s friend,
    and don’t go to your brother’s house in times of trouble.
A neighbor who is near is better
    than a brother who lives far away.

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