The term "sticketh" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible, derived from the verb "stick," meaning to adhere, cling, or remain close. In the context of Scripture, it often conveys the idea of loyalty, steadfastness, or a close bond between individuals or between a person and God.

Biblical Usage:

1. Proverbs 18:24 : "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." This verse highlights the value of true friendship, contrasting superficial relationships with the deep, abiding loyalty of a genuine friend. The imagery of "sticking closer than a brother" suggests a bond that surpasses even familial ties, emphasizing the importance of steadfast loyalty and support.

2. Ruth 1:14 (KJV): "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her." While the Berean Standard Bible uses the term "clung" instead of "sticketh," the concept remains the same. Ruth's decision to "cleave" or "stick" to Naomi demonstrates her unwavering commitment and loyalty, a theme that resonates throughout the Book of Ruth. This act of devotion is a powerful example of faithfulness and love.

Theological Implications:

The concept of "sticketh" in the Bible often reflects the covenantal nature of relationships, whether between individuals or between humanity and God. It underscores the importance of faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment in the life of a believer. In a world where relationships can be transient and conditional, the biblical call to "stick" or remain steadfast serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's love and the ideal of covenantal faithfulness.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the principle of "sticketh" can be applied in various aspects of life, including friendships, marriage, and one's relationship with God. It encourages believers to cultivate relationships that are characterized by loyalty, support, and unwavering commitment. In marriage, for instance, the idea of "sticking" to one's spouse reflects the biblical ideal of a lifelong, covenantal union. In one's spiritual life, "sticking" to God involves a steadfast faith and trust in His promises, even amidst trials and challenges.

Related Concepts:

· Covenant: The biblical theme of covenant is closely related to the idea of "sticketh," as it involves a binding agreement characterized by loyalty and faithfulness.
· Faithfulness: A key virtue in the Christian life, faithfulness is the quality of being reliable and steadfast, akin to the concept of "sticketh."
· Loyalty: Loyalty is a central theme in Scripture, often depicted in the context of relationships and one's commitment to God.

In summary, the term "sticketh" encapsulates the biblical ideals of loyalty, faithfulness, and steadfastness, serving as a model for how believers are to conduct their relationships with others and with God.

A Friend that Sticketh Closer than a Brother. Pr 18:24
... PROVERBS Hymn 53 A friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Pr 18:24. John Newton
8,7,8,7,7,7. A friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Pr 18:24. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 53 a friend that.htm

A Faithful Friend
... Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. "There is a friend that sticketh closer
than a brother.""Proverbs 18:24. Cicero has well said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a faithful friend.htm

A Faithful Friend
... REV. CH SPURGEON. At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. "There is a friend
that sticketh closer than a brother.""Proverbs 18:24. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a faithful friend.htm

The Blessing of God.
... The SON of GOD is the KINSMAN who has the right to redeem, the FRIEND who sticketh
closer than a brother, the ONE who has come, not only to be the LIGHT of the ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Olney Hymns
... PROVERBS. Hymn 52 Wisdom. Pr 8:22-31. Hymn 53 A friend that sticketh closer than
a brother. Pr 18:24. Hymn 54 Vanity of Life Eccl 2. Hymn 55 Vanity of the world ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/

4Th Day. Comforting Grace.
... to the comfortless, when I think of them as flowing from an Almighty Fellow-Sufferer,""
A brother born for adversity,""the "Friend that sticketh closer than ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/4th day comforting grace.htm

Would that I were More Closely Bound
... Would that I were more closely bound. LM "There is a friend that sticketh closer
than a brother." " Proverbs 18:24. Would that I were more closely bound. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/waring/hymns and meditations/would that i were more.htm

Against Gossip
... in labour with a child. As an arrow that sticketh in the flesh of the thigh,
so is a word in a fool's belly. Reprove a friend: it ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii against gossip.htm

The Enemy
... It points a designed contrast from that Friend that "sticketh closer than
a brother." This Enemy of Israel oppresses them sorely. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/9 the enemy.htm

A Table to the First Book, According to the Order and Subject of ...
... safety 91 49 He led them by a right way 107 50 What shall I render 116 51 Dwelling
in Mesech 120 PROVERBS 52 Wisdom 8 53 A friend that sticketh closer than a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/a table to the first.htm

Sticketh (1 Occurrence)
...Sticketh (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself
friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. ...
/s/sticketh.htm - 6k

Friendship (13 Occurrences)
... the word (see above) is that in Proverbs 18:24, "He that maketh many friends doeth
it to his own destruction; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a ...
/f/friendship.htm - 13k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... the word (see above) is that in Proverbs 18:24, "He that maketh many friends doeth
it to his own destruction; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Friendly (17 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and
there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/f/friendly.htm - 11k

Sticking (2 Occurrences)

/s/sticking.htm - 7k

Stick (47 Occurrences)

/s/stick.htm - 23k

Hurt (84 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 18:24 He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But
there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (See JPS). ...
/h/hurt.htm - 34k

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