Define Friend.....again please!

Maybe the last time I wrote about what a true friend is, it wasn't clear.  So here is a clarification for any of you that might be confused (or paranoid).

Proverbs 26: 21-22 says, "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."

Proverbs 18:7  "A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."

Proverbs 18:19-21 "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.  A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.  Death and Life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof.

Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

Psalm 15:1-2 "Lord, who shall abide  in thy tabernacle, who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."

1 Corinthians 13 describes the love I have for my friends. Its a great reference for love, and charity.  I memorized it as a child, and still have parts of it in my head today.  Thanks to that Grandma who worked with me during the summer on memorizing scripture.  I had no idea 23 years ago, that those words would indeed be hidden in my heart. She has blessed me in ways she doesn't even know.

This is my take on what a "friend" is.  I don't call a friend someone who tells you what you want to hear.  My closest friendships have been based on honesty.  Sometimes the truth hurts, sometimes it shouldn't be told, sometimes it shouldn't be asked for.  If you ask someone to tell you the truth of how they feel, and they do....is it then right to get mad with them?  Honesty shouldn't have negative consequences.  Our sins have consequences, but not a truthful heart.  So if you can't be honest with yourself, why ask me to be honest with you?  Especially, if you can't handle it.  A friend loveth at all times, but isn't perfect.   Last I read, man is sinful by nature, saved by Gods grace, and never perfect on this earth.  Even the friend who gives the advise isn't perfect.