Rav Matisyahu Solomon ZT”L was the Mashgiach (Yeshiva supervisor) of Beis Medrash Gavoha (BMG) in Lakewood, New Jersey and was renowned for many things including being very careful regarding the character trait of Emes (honesty). Rav Matisyahu was also the go-to person in Lakewood for direction and advice and often spoke to people until the wee hours of the morning.
There was a young man who very much wanted to attend the circus. His parents felt that it was not an appropriate environment for him and were wary of letting him go. However, they suggested that he pose the question to Rav Matisyahu. The young man did so. Rav Matisyahu answered that the circus was not an appropriate atmosphere for a Ben Torah (loosely, an aspiring young Torah student). The young man's disappointment was palpable. Rav Matisyahu perceived the young man's disappointment and asked, "We are still friends, right?" The young man did not respond. Rav Matisyahu said, "But you can't be upset if your friend gives you good and correct advice, right?" The young man managed a smile and answered, "Right."
A few months later, Rav Matisyahu entered the Simcha hall where this young man was having his Bar Mitzvah Seudah (meal). The young man's father was shocked as Rav Matisyahu had not been invited. He was even further shocked when Rav Matisyahu asked to speak. His father asked Rav Matisyahu why he had come to the Bar Mitzvah. Rav Matisyahu answered, “In the prior conversation I had with your son, I said I was his friend – I meant what I said. Since we are friends, I felt I needed to attend the Bar Mitzvah, whether I was invited or not.”
