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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. 1. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. That is not true friendship which is not constant; it will be so if it be sincere, and actuated by a good principle. Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and therefore their affections turn with the wind and change with the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times ,.... A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; than their friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job, Job 19:14 ; it is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant lover, such an... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times - Equally in adversity as in prosperity. And a brother, according to the ties and interests of consanguinity, is born to support and comfort a brother in distress. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:6-25

Fatherhood and sonship Certainly, some of our very greatest mercies are those that come to us in our domestic relationships. I. THE JOY AND CROWN OF FATHERHOOD AND OF GRANDFATHERHOOD . Our Lord speaks of the mother forgetting her anguish "for joy that a man is born into the world" ( John 16:21 ). The joy of parentage is keen , and it is common; it may, indeed, be said to be universal. And it is pure and good; it elevates and enlarges the soul, taking thought... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:16-20

Light in the head, love in the heart I. MONEY USELESS WITHOUT SENSE . ( Proverbs 17:16 .) The true view of money is that of means to ends. But if the ends are not seen, or, being seen, are not earnestly desired, of what avail the means? If our heart be set upon the right objects of life, opportunities will always present themselves. If blind to life's meaning, no advantages wilt seem to be advantages. II. THE BEAUTY OF FRIENDSHIP . ( Proverbs 17:17 .) 1 . In... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:16-24

Use and neglect "There is everything in use," we say. And certainly a man's position at any time depends far less upon his bestowments and advantages than upon the use he has made of them. The wise man, in these verses, laments the fact that the price of wisdom should so often be in the hand of a man who fails to turn it to account ( Proverbs 17:16 ), and that the foolish man wastes his capacities by directing them to things at a distance instead of giving his attention to that which is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Some find a climax in the two clauses, and translate the last as Revised Version margin, "And is born as a brother for adversity," the same person being meant in both members of the sentence. A real friend loves his friend in prosperity and adversity; yea, he is more than a friend in time of need—he is a brother, as affectionate and as trusty as one connected by the closest ties of relationship (comp. Proverbs 18:24 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

The true friend I. THE PORTRAIT OF THE TRUE FRIEND . We must study its lineaments that we may know the original. The word "friend" is used so loosely, often as a term of mere politeness, that some such inquiry is necessary if we would disentangle it from frivolous associations and affix it to its worthy object. 1. The essential note of true friendship is invariability of affection. The friend "loveth at all times." This does not mean that he is always displaying his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

The friend in need However we read this passage (see Exposition), we have before us the subject of true and lasting friendship. As is stated in a previous homily (see on Proverbs 17:9 ), this is founded on a common attachment to the same great principles, moral and religious; and also on a mutual esteem, each heart holding the other in a real regard. When such intelligent esteem ripens into strong affection, we have a result that deserves to bear the beautiful and honourable name of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 17:17. A friend loveth at all times A sincere and hearty friend not only loves in prosperity, but also in adversity, when false friends forsake us; and a brother Who is so, not only by name and blood, but by brotherly affection; is born for adversity Was sent into the world for this among other ends, that he might comfort and relieve his brother in his adversity. read more

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