9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble. 10 Your friend, and your father's friend, do not forsake; and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is 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.