Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

When you say you are a friend to someone, how deep do you mean that?

A friend should be someone who is willing to be there at all times, willing to be called in the middle of the night, willing to turn up when needed.

A brother is one who will be there when they see trouble approaching, one who will be there during the night and will support you when they see you may need it.

A brother exists to fulfil the role of comforter even when we do not ask. The Holy Spirit is our great comforter who is more than a brother!

Proverbs 24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

I know it is hard to not laugh when someone trips over or falls, but we are not talking about laughing in jest, but laughing in bitterness.

God sees the intention from the heart when we do things and not just the outward reaction as we do. Laughing at other people’s misfortune is not always good.

What is it like when other people stare at you or laugh at you when things go wrong? Think about the person and not what they stand for.

People may have the wrong idea about you until they get to know you – get to know others first…

Exodus 23:4 If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.

Not too many of us will have oxen and sheep to show our wealth nowadays, but we do have many other things.

So change this verse a bit to reflect some more modern circumstances such as:

If you see your neighbour has left their light on, tell them.

Or: If you see your enemy has left their door open, close it for them!

God expects us to do what is right, even when dealing with enemies.