A.
False friends : one
should know the four kinds of false friends, or enemies in the guise of
friends (mitta-patirupaka), as follows:
1) The out-and-out robber, one
who only takes from his friend (harajana*), has four main features:
1. He thinks only of getting.
2. He gives little in the hope of getting much.
3. Only when he is in danger does he help his friend.
4. He is a friend only for his own profit.
2) The smooth talker (vaciparama) has four main features:
1. He is only good at talking about that which is done and gone.
2. He is only good at talking about that which has not yet come.
3. He helps in useless things.
4. When his friend needs help, he makes excuses.
3) The flatterer (anupiyabhani) has four main features:
1. He consents to [his friend's] doing wrong.
2. He consents to his doing right.
3. He sings his praises to his face.
4. He runs him down behind his back.
4) The leader to ruin (apayasahaya)
has four main features:
1. He is a companion in drinking.
2. He is a companion in night life.
3. He is a companion in frequenting shows and fairs.
4. He is a companion in gambling.
B.
True friends: one
should know the four kinds of true friends, or friends at heart (suhada-mitta),
as follows:
1) The helping friend (upakaraka) has four main features:
1. When his friend is off guard, he guards him.
2. When his friend is off guard, he guards his property.
3. In times of danger, he can be a refuge.
4. In times of need, he gives more than asked for.
2) The friend through thick and thin (samanasukhadukkha) has
four main features:
1. He confides in his friend.
2. He keeps his friend's secrets.
3. He does not desert his friend in times of danger.
4. He will give even his life for his friend's sake.
3) The good counselor (Atthakkhayi) has four main features:
1. When his friend is going to do evil, he stops him.
2. He encourages his friend in goodness.
3. He makes known to his friend what he has not heard before.
4. He points out the way to prosperity and happiness.
4) The loving friend (anukampi**) has four main features:
1. When his friend is unhappy, he commiserates.
2. When his friend is happy, he is happy for him.
3. When others criticize his friend, he comes to his defense.
4. When others praise his friend, he joins in their praise.