Monks, a friend endowed with seven qualities is worth associating with. Which seven? |
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He gives what is hard to give. |
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He does what is hard to do. |
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He endures what is hard to endure. |
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He reveals his secrets to you. |
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He keeps your secrets. |
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When misfortunes strike, he doesn't abandon you. |
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When you're down & out, he doesn't look down on you. |
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A friend endowed with these seven qualities is worth associating with. |
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He gives what is beautiful, hard to give, does what is hard to do, endures painful, ill-spoken words. His secrets he tells you, your secrets he keeps. When misfortunes strike, he doesn't abandon you; when you're down & out, doesn't look down on you. A person in whom these traits are found, is a friend to be cultivated by anyone wanting a friend. |
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