A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
A man (that hath) friends (associates) must show himself friendly (social): and there is a friend, (a loving friend) (that) sticketh closer than a brother. Friendships must be cherished by mutual conversation and kindnesses, without which their beginnings are soon dissolved. 'If you wish to be loved, love' (Seneca). He who is friendly will have friends. There is no feeling which more exacts reciprocity than love. The second clause enforces the first clause, that we ought to show ourselves friendly; for so we may secure "a friend (Hebrew, 'oheeb (H157), a lover) that sticketh closer than a brother" in our times of "adversity" (Proverbs 17:17.) "Friends," in the first clause, is in Hebrew, ree`iym (H7453), associates, companions; not so strong as 'oheeb, 'a loving friend.' Christ alone realizes this super-excellent friendship (Matthew 12:50).