True Friends

"A gentle word makes many friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth gracious replies.  Let your friends be many; but your counselors, one in a thousand!

If you would gain a friend, begin by testing him and do not put your confidence in him too quickly.  For there is the friend who is such when it suits him but he does not remain faithful in the time of your adversity.

There is the friend who becomes an enemy and, to your confusion, makes known why you quarreled.

There is the friend who shares your table but does not remain faithful when things go against you.  In times of prosperity he will be like your shadow and he will speak freely to those of your household.  But if you are humiliated, he will turn against you and will avoid meeting you.

Distance yourself from your enemies  and be careful about your friends.

The faithful friend is a secure refuge; whoever has found one has found a treasure.  A faithful friend is beyond all price; hold him as priceless.  A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, and those who fear the LORD will find one.

Whoever fears the LORD will make true friends for, as a man is, such will his friend be." - Sirach 6:5-17 

 (Here, we have a text concerning true friendship.  Ben Sira invites us not to be naïve or off guard.

We should reflect before confiding in a friend, but should also have this life-saving remedy which a true friend is, a grace that GOD grants to those who fear HIM.  Also see 12:8-18 and 37:1-15.)

On-Site