- 23. मित्रम्
पापान्निवारयति योजयते हिताय गुह्यं च गूहति गुणान्प्रकटीकरोति।
आपद्गतं च न जहाति ददाति काले सन्मित्रलक्षणमिदं प्रवदन्ति सन्त:॥
He restrains his friend from committing sins, and induces him to do good deeds. He conceals the unseemly secrets of a friend, projecting only his good qualities. He does not desert his friend in difficulties, but gives timely assistance. Saints describe these as the characteristics of a true friend.