[33] Bhikkhus, one should associate with a friend endowed with seven factors. What seven? He gives what is hard to give; he does what is hard to do; he endures what is hard to endure; he reveals his own secrets to one; he keeps one's secrets concealed; he does not forsake one in times of misfortune; he does not despise one when one's wealth is exhausted. Bhikkhus, one should associate with a friend endowed with these seven factors.
He gives what is precious, hard to give,
and he does even what is hard to do;
moreover, he endures one's harsh words,
even those hard to endure;
he tells one his own secret,
and keeps one's secret concealed;
he does not forsake one in times of misfortune,
nor despise one when one's wealth is exhausted.
The person in whom these qualities are found
is a true friend: one desiring a friend
should resort to a friend of such a kind.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.