129. If necessary, let us endure for a
friend even hardship. Often enmity has to be borne for the sake
of a friend’s innocence; oftentimes revilings, if one defends and
answers for a friend who is found fault with and accused. Do not
be afraid of such displeasure, for the voice of the just says:
“Though evil come upon me, I will endure it for a friend’s
sake.” Ecclus. xxii. 26. In
adversity, too, a friend is proved, for in prosperity all seem to be
friends. But as in adversity patience and endurance are needed,
so in prosperity strong influence is wanted to check and confute the
arrogance of a friend who becomes overbearing.