There is a Nilotic proverb ( from African Traditional Religion) that says:
"A friend is like a source of water during a long journey."
There is so much truth in that one sentence.
Proverbs 18:24 says
Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than ones nearest kin.
American Indians have a belief that:
We are bound to our relatives through blood.
We are bound to our spouses through intimacy.
But our friends are held in a far different place than these because we choose them ourselves.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says
Two are better than one...
For if they fall, one will lift up the other.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
Honor your friends and the gift that they are to you.
Treat them with kindness and offer to them a listening and compassionate heart.
Peace and Grace
COHolley
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times.
