Solomon implies those who act as friends and those who go even further in their friendship to be brothers. This suggests brotherhood is forged in hardship. A fair-weather-friend relationship can be bleak, lacking in kindness. But a true friend should be hearty. Not just when you prosper, but also when you’re in time of need.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced racism at age 3 when his best friend, a little white boy whose father owned the store across the street, ended their relationship which had grown strong for three years. At age 6, Martin now knew how he was seen; and he was deeply hurt. Pain like this caused Martin to solidify his best quotes about diversity, like “Love is the only force capable to change enemies to friends.”