The rich have many "friends," but the poor are often shunned (Proverbs 14:20). Funny how many false friends are to be found. They are there when things are very positive and going well—usually hoping to get in on the success or wealth. True friends are rare indeed. They are the ones who will hear what you have to say, sort the wheat from the chaff and blow the chaff away with one breath. They trust you, and you can have confidence in them.

"A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines," someone once wrote. When dark times come, true friends emerge. They have always been there, but may have been missed in the crowd. When you find a true friend, you have found a great treasure.