Log inSign up

Proverbs 18 · a question people ask

"there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (18:24). Is this friend Jesus?

In the text

The saying doesn't say who the friend is. Here it is whole: "A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (18:24). It sets two things side by side: many companions, and one friend. In Hebrew companions is re'im, and friend is ohev, a form of the verb love (tap friend). Sticks is daveq, a word the Hebrew Bible has only three times (tap sticks). The chapter has spoken of a brother before: "A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city" (18:19). No New Testament verse quotes this saying or says who the friend is, and these notes don't say the friend is anyone. What the saying does say is that there is such a friend. The book says more of friends and brothers: "A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17), and the notes on Proverbs 17 set the two sayings side by side.

The verses

“A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.”
Proverbs 18:19 · World English Bible
“A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24 · World English Bible
“A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18: A strong tower

"The LORD’s name is a strong tower" (18:10), and the very next saying calls a rich man's wealth "his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination" (18:11). In Hebrew both have strong, and are safe and unscalable are one verb: two high places side by side, and the second is high "in his own imagination".

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekProverbs 18 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Proverbs 18

All questions about Proverbs →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions