Friend--a Word of Much Meaning

“Friend” is a word of much meaning. Sometimes it is applied loosely to mean simply someone we know, someone with whom we have become acquainted. But a friend is much more than merely someone we know or someone with whom we keep company. “Friend” comes in fact from a verb meaning to love, and in its far past is associated with the word “peace.”

This we find among its dictionary definitions: “One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect and affection that he seeks his society and welfare.” These are words of much meaning: esteem, respect, love and peace, and seeking the society and welfare of a friend.

It follows then that anyone who doesn’t seek another’s welfare is a false friend. Indeed he is no friend at all: He is that which the meaning of the word cannot include.

A friend would never take precious things which cannot be replaced including honor and virtue. Neither love nor friendship is a thing of selfishness, nor of self-indulgence, and such so-called friendship is a shame and a deception. He who would gratify himself at the expense of others, who would serve his own selfish desires no matter what happens to others, is no friend of anyone, not even himself, and not worthy the name, and not to be trusted, nor yet one with whom to keep company.

Among things most to be thankful for is the choice company and confidence and affection of true and trusted friends−friends who would not lead us into temptation, who would never try to talk us into, or influence or induce us to do anything for which we would later be ashamed or sorry, or for which we would be less than proud and grateful as the memories of life keep coming back.

A friend who would lead us away from our better selves is no friend, for friendship includes respect and esteem and love and peace, and seeking always the welfare of him whose company we keep.