Who is your friend? Who do your refer to as your buddy? your paddy? your best friend?

I paid a visit to a friend and I was sad to see him sick in bed. I asked what the issue was; his close friend had snatched his wife and she was now seeking for a divorce.

The wife wants half of his properties. What hurts him most is, how much effort he had put into this marriage to make it work. Also, how much he had trusted this friend cum rival, who knows everything about him: his secrets, ins and out.

My friend’s predicament reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:16 (CEV) "I am sending you like lambs into a pack of wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves".

My friend was innocent as a dove, but not wise as a snake.

In life, not everyone that is good to you is true. Learn to keep your secret, provide a boundary to your conversation, because you will never know when a dead snake turns into a poisonous human being called ‘close friend’.

The truth is some people are real. Some people are good. Some people are fake. And some are real good at being fake.

To me, I will rather have a friend who slaps me in front of many people than stab me in the back.

A friend who curses me to my face than one who talks behind me; a friend who tells me my faults than being insulted without me even noticing it; a friend who leaves me but knows when to come back than be with someone whose mind is not with me at all.

The older you get, the less friends you have. As you get older you realize who your true friends are. Soon you get to know losing friends is part of growth.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few, you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you will need true and real friends who really care.

Today, be a true friend to someone, be there when you are needed. Don’t abuse your friends generosity; Keep in touch and respond quickly. Don’t spread bad news about your friend; be happy for their success; respect their privacy; be a good listener. Give advice only when needed, always share your blessings and Pray for your friend.

In conclusion, Proverbs 13:20 (CEV) "Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools".