@rightway2truth So, on Day 1, all that your company is, is the money you're putting in. Plus the idea, but with nothing done on it yet. If you are putting in $50K, let's call that your company's valuation on Day 1.
Six months and lots of sweat and lost income later, you have a prototype and some interest from potential investors and clients. Your valuation is much higher now. But your friend gets 50% for paying you $25k? When you are asking for funding at a much higher valuation from investors.
If he is not willing to put his skin in the game, you can offer him sweat equity that vests over 3 - 5 years, to ensure that he remains there committed to earn it. Also, it should be nowhere close to your stake in the company - a total of 5 - 10% is what would make most sense. That'll give you the ability to steer the company in the direction you like, get other talent in the company on equity+pay as well as the investors.
Remember that equity is the costliest resource you can spend to run your company. Money will be much cheaper than that if you take off.