True Friends

The taker, one who speaks empty words, the flatterer, the reckless —these four are not true friends. 

The wise understand this and keep them at a distance, as they would a dangerous path. 

The helper, the one who accompanies us through thick and thin, the one who gives good counsel, the one who is compassionate —these four are friends indeed. 

The wise understand this and attend on them carefully, like a mother her own child. 

—Buddha Shakyamuni, Sigalovada Sutra