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17 A friend loves at all times,
    and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.(A)

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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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24 Some[a] friends play at friendship,[b]
    but a true friend sticks closer than one’s sibling.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 18.24 Syr Tg: Heb A man of
  2. 18.24 Cn Compare Syr Vg Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain

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

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Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,
    but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

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

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Perfume and incense make the heart glad,
    but the soul is torn by trouble.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 27.9 Gk: Heb the sweetness of a friend is better than one’s own counsel

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

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10 Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent;
    do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is nearby
    than kindred who are far away.(A)

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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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