APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: Week of June 9-15, 2025, Speech: What does Proverbs 17:17 mean?, Lesson 13, Prepared Assignment.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: June 9-15, 2025, Speech: What does Proverbs 17:17 mean?, Lesson 13, Prepared Assignment.

Speech (5 mins.) ijwbv article 60. Title: What does Proverbs 17:17 mean? (th lesson 13).

Brothers and sisters, what does it mean to you to have a true friend? Today we'll answer this question by exploring the following text:

LET'S READ PROVERBS 17:17

“A true friend loves at all times and is a brother in times of trouble.”

This verse, written by King Solomon, is a gem of wisdom from the book of Proverbs, which uses Hebrew poetry to teach us profound truths.

Proverbs 17:17 shows us how to be a loyal friend and how this quality benefits us and others. Let's look at its meaning and how we can apply it.

First, the text says: "A true friend loves at all times."

The Hebrew word for "love" here doesn't refer merely to a feeling, but to an active, selfless love demonstrated through actions. This love is described in the following text.

LET'S READ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not boast, it is not arrogant, 5 it does not behave indecently, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily provoked. It keeps no record of wrongs. 6 It does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It endures all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

A true friend shows this love even when the friendship is tested, perhaps by a misunderstanding or personal difficulties.

How can we apply this? Imagine a member of the congregation is going through a difficult time, perhaps losing their job. Instead of distancing ourselves, we can offer a word of encouragement, help them with a practical task, or simply listen. These actions demonstrate love and strengthen friendship.

Second, the text adds: "He is a brother in times of trouble."

A true friend acts like a close brother, someone who is there especially when things go wrong. Think of the friendship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan risked his life to protect David when King Saul was pursuing him. That kind of loyalty is what makes a friendship stronger in times of trial.

What can we do? For example, if a sister is sick and can't attend meetings, we could call her, bring her a meal, or help her with something at home. These actions not only support her, but also reflect the Christian love that pleases Jehovah.

Why does being this kind of friend benefit us? Because cultivating loyal friendships gives us emotional and spiritual stability. When we face problems, we know we are not alone. Furthermore, by being faithful friends, we reflect Jehovah's qualities, such as loyalty and love, and we give a good witness.

But this requires action. Starting today, look for an opportunity to show practical love: write a message of encouragement to a brother, offer to help with something specific, or forgive quickly if a misunderstanding arises.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 10:12

“Hate breeds conflict, but love covers all offenses.”

Brothers, we all need friends like that. But the most important question is: Am I that kind of friend?

Proverbs 17:17 isn't just a nice thought-provoking phrase; it's a call to action. It invites us to cultivate loyal and selfless friendships that will stand the test of time and hardship.

So, instead of expecting others to be that brother in times of trouble, let us resolve to be that kind of friend ourselves: loving at all times and being there when someone else needs it.

Let us make true friendship an essential part of our Christian life!