When you gain a friend gain him through testing.
And do not trust him hastily.
Knowing , advising, supporting.
Wearily yet still merrily.

For there is a friend who will stand by you at his own convenience.
And never stand by you in your day of trouble.
Not one for steady maintenance.
Friendship can be mere rubble, a struggle.

Brought low this friend will be against you.
And will hide himself from your presence.
Thus true friends are all too few.
Not made of true essence.

But a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter.
He that has found one has found a treasure.
In our life’s helter skelter.
And we know his true measure.

……

What’s a faithful friend
He is a sturdy shelter
And a true treasure

…….

See Sirach  6 : 5-17