Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends Lit. a man of friends, i.e. one who makes many friends, R.V.; makes them too easily and indiscriminately.

must shew himself friendly Rather, doeth it to his own destruction, R.V. He will be ruined by extravagance and "evil communications."

and Rather, but, in contrast to the many lightly-made friends.

a friend Heb. a lover. It is a stronger word than that translated "friends" in the first clause of the verse; and is used of Abraham when he is called, "the friend of God" (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; comp. 1 Samuel 18:1; 2 Samuel 1:26). See Proverbs 17:17.

Here again is a proverb which only reaches its goal in Him, who says to His disciples, "I have called you friends." John 15:15.