Proverbs 18:22-24 (ESV)
24 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.
25 The poor use entreaties,
but the rich answer roughly.
26 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Marriage is one of the many good gifts God has given to humanity. Solomon reminds us that a man who finds a wife finds something truly valuable and receives favor from the Lord. From the beginning, God declared that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). A godly marriage is not merely the result of human effort but a gift from the God who gives every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). A wise man will seek a wife who fears the Lord, and a wise woman will look for a husband whose life reflects devotion to God. Godly character matters far more than outward qualities that will fade over time.
Solomon then turns from marriage to the way people respond to those in need. The poor person uses “entreaties,” a Hebrew word (tachanun) that describes a humble request for mercy or help. Lacking earthly resources, the poor often depend on the generosity of others. The wealthy person, however, may respond harshly to those who ask for help. Solomon warns against the kind of self-reliance that hardens the heart and makes a person indifferent to the needs of others.
A person’s wealth does not determine her worth. The poor and the rich are both made in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity. God himself hears the cries of those who call to him (Psalm 34:6), and because he is attentive to those in need, his people should never become indifferent to the suffering around them. The resources God provides are meant to be stewarded with humility and compassion.
Finally, Solomon considers the difference between having many companions and having a true friend. A person may gather many relationships when life is easy, but those connections often disappear when hardship comes. A faithful friend, however, remains close when circumstances change. One loyal friend who stands beside you in difficulty is worth far more than a crowd of people who are present only when life is going well.
The ultimate example of faithful friendship is found in Jesus. He called his disciples friends and demonstrated the greatest love by laying down his life for them (John 15:12-15). Consider the friendships God has entrusted to you. Are you seeking relationships marked by genuine faithfulness, and are you becoming the kind of friend who remains when others are hurting? A faithful friend is a rare gift. Many people will walk with us when life is pleasant, but the friend who remains through hardship reveals the steadfast love Solomon commends. May the Lord make us women whose friendships reflect that kind of love.