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Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
[New International Verison]
This verse warns that having unreliable friends can lead to trouble or harm, as they may fail to provide support when needed most. True friends, however, stand by us steadfastly, sometimes even more reliably than family.
It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with loyal, dependable people rather than simply having a large circle of acquaintances. It suggests that quality matters far more than quantity in friendships.
The “friend who sticks closer than a brother” can also symbolize a deep, faithful relationship, often interpreted as a reference to divine friendship, such as God’s unwavering presence in a believer’s life.