Proverbs 27:10

The first statement makes the point of the proverb: friends are important allies that we should retain if possible (Proverbs 27:10 a). The second statement is not as clear. The thought seems to be, "Do not go all the way to your blood brother’s house in a crisis if he lives far from you." The third statement gives the reason for the second. A friend nearby who is not a blood relative can be of more help than a close relation who lives farther away. A friend nearby should be more advantageous than a brother who lives miles away.