In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.

There is no physician like a true friend.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.

Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not rebuke her.”

“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.

Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.

A friend is someone who gets in your way when you are on your way down.

I have mentioned that no one offers the name of a philosopher when I ask the question, "Who helped you most?" Most often they answer by describing a quiet, unassuming person. Someone who was there whenever needed, who listened more than talked, who didn't keep glancing down at a watch, who hugged and touched, and cried. In short, someone who was available, and came on the sufferer's terms and not their own.

The presence of another caring person doubles the amount of pain a person can endure

How do the people around you react to the sparks of life? Are they fire lighters who blow things up, or firefighters who calm things down?

A gentle person can use strength without damaging those he is trying to help.