On Friendship by the Book of Sirach

Sacred Heart Church, Honolulu

...A kind mouth multiplies friends, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him for one sort of friend is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress.  Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame.  Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.  When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants; but if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you. Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.

Sirach 6:1-18

The guidance given above in the Book of Sirach should really be taken seriously by everyone. Seems like everyone uses the word "friend" very lightly.  I know I am one of those culprits.  In reality, aren't those we consider friends really just acquaintances?  It is not a negative thing to have many acquaintances.  Yet not everyone is blessed to have a really good friend.  If you have such a friend, be grateful.

Even if we don't feel like we have a close friend, remember that we do.  It is Jesus and He is always there for us.