Being a True Friend

Those who hold their friends in good esteem and treat them with respect gain many supporters. Having faithful friends is just as important as satisfying the vital necessities of life. Wise people, upon seeing that a friendship has become damaged, immediately remove the cause of discontent and restore good relations. Even wiser are those who strive to avoid or prevent disagreement with their friends in the first place.

Love and good relations between friends continue as long as they understand each other, practice self-denial, and make sacrifices within permissible limits. Friendship between those who cannot renounce their interests and preferences for the sake of their friends cannot endure. We are loyal and faithful to our friends to the extent we share their troubles as well as their joys.

Those who maintain a friendship with one who has fallen on hardtimes are true, loyal friends. Those who do not support their friends during their misfortune have nothing to do with friendship. One who desires to have faithful and numerous friends should not disagree with them on trivial matters. Friendship pertains to one's heart and sincerity. Those who think they can gain another's friendship through deception and hypocrisy only deceive themselves.