If you search the proverb's meaning throughout Google, you'll notice that there are many different meanings. Personally, I've always took it as those in need are especially friendly to those helping them. But everyone is going to take their own personal experiences and have their own interpretation of it
For the most part, I believe it is true, but there are those people you think are friends, and are always in need, and not much of a friend at all. Usually we call them a mooch.
it depends. cause some friends are only their when they are in need but when the time comes that you're the one in need they can't seem to care.
this proverb has a version also in my country, but I think it's about how a friend is near you not only in joy but the most important thing he is helping you when you're in pain.