Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

What do I look for in a friend? Who is true to the calling of a brother?

Friends are loyal, they are true. They show up in the best of times and the worst of times. They offer less advice and more action to help. They listen, they mourn with you, they rejoice at your successes as if they were their own.

Good friends and true brothers cheer you up when you are down, they believe in you when no one else does, and even if they disagree, you know they are for you and will stand by you, even when you don’t take their advice.

In contrast, those who are not faithful friend material (fools) spend their money frivolously, are aimless in their pursuits, blame others for their problems, and become crushed in spirit and speak out falsehood. They kick their “friends” when they are down and only show up in the times of plenty.

Do I want good friends? How do I become a great friend?

Lord, thank you for these proverbs that contrast faithful friends and fickle fools. Help me to be a faithful friend.