9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
9 Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. 10 Don't leave your friends or your parents' friends and run home to your family when things get rough; Better a nearby friend than a distant family.
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. 10 Never abandon a friend- either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9-10
Commentary on Proverbs 27:9-10
(Read Proverbs 27:9-10)
Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidence in him.