Second, true friends are kind, highly considerate, and concerned toward the objects of their friendship. They are sensitive to both joys and to a heavy heart as they "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12:15). They are in tune with their friend and are not oblivious to what is going on with them. Proverbs describes the insensitive person, saying, "Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart" (Pr. 25:20). A true friend ministers to the needs of a hurting companion with words of comfort and counsel, and sometimes by simply being there for them.
While some Christians will not care for this counsel, Proverbs 31:6-7 tells us to "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more." Or perhaps you take them to lunch, or invite them to your home, or a thousand other ways to demonstrate that you care for them. On the other hand, the considerate friend will not wear out his welcome, as the Proverbs warn: "Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you [Heb: satiated] and hate you" (Pr. 25:17). Moreover, a true friend not only knows what to say, but he knows how, when and why it should be said: "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him" (Pr. 27:14). A friend does not abuse goodwill by misleading jest—he uses forethought: "Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Pr. 26:18-19).
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