and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. (Proverbs 27:10)
Wow! Friendship and neighborliness are deeply valued in the verse of scripture above. There is a practical aspect to the advice given for "when disaster strikes you." A neighbor nearby is likely better positioned to aid you than anyone living at some distance, whether a relative of yours or not.
Furthermore, even though relatives are supposed to take care of one another, sometimes they don't. And even if they do, a sensitive neighbor may become offended by your refusal of friendly help at hand in favor of a relative's help from a distance. Where will you live after the disaster has passed--close to your nearby neighbor or close to your distant relative?
But there is another kind of practicality involved, too. A close neighbor will come to your aid only as you have developed friendship and neighborliness with that neighbor. The saying above may be a backhanded way of emphasizing the need for good relationships with neighbors before, during, and after disaster strikes either one of you and even if disaster never strikes!
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