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The more we understand the world the better we comprehend the Bible. The Spirit that overshadowed its writers knew all the ins and outs of human hearts, all the mysteries of human guilt and grief.

I. THE IDEAL OF FRIENDSHIP. Every man cannot be a friend. Friendships cannot be willed, they must be made. They grow; they want resemblances. Earthly friendships have often some element of weakness in them. No man can know more of his brother without knowing the worst as well as the best of him. Friendship with Christ alone satisfies. Here is —

1. The test of friendship. "At all times." True only of Christ.

2. The preciousness of friendship.

3. The future of friendship.

II. THE IDEAL OF BROTHERHOOD. "A brother is born for adversity."

1. This is a unique fact.

2. It is a designed fact.

3. It is an adapted fact.To be a true brother, Christ must take account of the world as it is, and what word is there more expressive of life than this, "adverse things" — things that turn against us!

(W. M. Statham.)

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KJV: A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

WEB: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.