who loves (see 8:17), not “friend” (see 14:20). It signifies the friend’s recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of the one with whom he desires to be with at all times in a reciprocal relationship, even in extreme anguish and suffering. The true character of love expresses itself by substantive, unselfish action in adversity, not by outward kisses.101 Ambiguous and could also be glossed “but” (cf. 16:33; 17:3). The parallels both combine one’s reciprocal advantage in having both a friend