Not everyone is a candidate to be a friend: 1. “Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their minds devise violence and their lips talk of trouble” (Prov.24:1-2). 2. “A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends” (Prov. 16:28). 3. “Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge” (Prov. 14:7). 4. “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with a gossip” (Prov. 20:19). 5. “Do not associate with a man given to anger, or go with a hot-tempered man; lest you learn his ways, and find a snare for yourself” (Prov. 22:24-25). 6. “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine or with gluttonous eaters of meat” (Prov. 23:20). 7. “Do not associate with those who are given to change, for their calamity will rise suddenly and who knows the ruin that comes from them” (Prov. 24:21-22).