Proverbs 27:10 Commentary and Bible Study

As so often, this proverb will appear to state a strange and ill-advised sentiment if we do not make certain assumptions in interpreting it. Solomon is expressing truth in short compass, and he therefore abbreviates his statements and expects the reader to supply the unstated background that is necessary to give a good sense. One side of his comparison frequently limits the context in a way that must be applied to the other side. Nothing is said in the first part of this proverb about any estrangement between the subject of the proverb and his brother. Not until the second part do we read that this brother is far away – and this is undoubtedly meant in terms of relationship not of distance – but we are required as readers to import this detail back into the first part of the comparison. Some might be uncomfortable about doing this, but Solomon’s style and indeed the style of proverbs in general requires this. The proverb is true in the society of this world, for when siblings become estranged from each other, they may form much deeper, beneficial friendships with non-family members. That is the illustration Solomon gives us. Though we might have expected that in a crisis or deep need, brother would care for brother and sister for sister, and that a person would turn first of all to family members for help, yet it is not always so. Arguments or rivalry or even simply lack of contact may cause family to drift apart, and others take their place. In time of trouble we turn to those who we judge are most willing to make sacrifices for us, and to offer us wise counsel and practical help.But there is an equivalent estrangement in the kingdom of heaven. Christ was told, ‘Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother’ (Matthew 12:47-50).