Adversity proves our true friends

“In prosperity you cannot always tell a true friend, but in adversity you cannot mistake an enemy.” Sirach 12:8. 

As we pass through life, we build many relationships. If we lack discernment, we may believe that all those who appear to be our close friends may stick with us through thick and thin. But quite often it happens that those who appear to be our inseparable friends are nowhere to be found in times of adversity - they may avoid us or even go to the extreme of refusing us an easy help. On the other hand, a true friend is one who is born for adversity.