10 Marks of Friendship for Trying Times

9. A friend is sensitive to the other’s emotional state. “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, ‘I was only joking!'” (Prov. 26:18-19). 

 

Simply stated, a genuine friend will be sensitive to your vulnerable areas. He stays away from putdowns, sarcasm and cruel practical jokes. Scripture gives a good example in Proverbs 27:14: “He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him.”