[LillyPlay]

Hi Element, on reading the Sutta as you have quoted this afternoon, I thought it had been highlighted to me previously, though it seemed a little different somehow - on investigating I found this different translation and the focus is more on conscience rather than the friendship aspect

One who,
flouting, despising
a sense of conscience,
saying, "I am your friend,"
but not grasping
what he could do [to help]:
know him as
"Not my friend."

One who,
among friends,
speaks endearing words
to which he doesn't conform,
the wise recognize
as speaking without doing.

He's not a friend
who's always wary,
suspecting a split,
focusing just on your weakness.
But him on whom you can depend,
like a child on its parent's breast:
that's a true friend
whom others can't split from you.

Carrying one's manly burden,
the fruits & rewards develop
the conditions that make for joy,
the bliss that brings praise.

Drinking the nourishment,
the flavor,
of seclusion & calm,
one is freed from evil, devoid
of distress,
refreshed with the nourishment
of rapture in the Dhamma.[1]

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipit...2.03.than.html