Friendship is a precious gift, but what happens when it’s betrayed? The Bible, filled with tales of loyalty and betrayal, provides insights into navigating the complexities of human relationships. Join me as we explore the scriptures to uncover wisdom on loyalty, forgiveness, and the importance of standing by our friends through thick and thin.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandonment
What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing true friends over many companions. It emphasizes the value of having a friend who is loyal and faithful, someone who will support and stand by you even in difficult times.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
A true friend will not hesitate to give honest feedback or correction when necessary, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. This verse emphasizes that a genuine friend will offer truthful advice and guidance, even if it is not always pleasant to hear.
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
In the parable of the prodigal son, we see the profound love and forgiveness of a father towards his wayward child. This verse portrays the beauty of a parent’s unwavering love and acceptance, even when a child has abandoned them.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
This verse highlights the significance of true friendship, which remains steadfast through both good and challenging times. A genuine friend is not just present in times of joy but also in moments of adversity, offering support, comfort, and encouragement.
1 Samuel 18:1
“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”
This verse describes the deep bond of friendship between Jonathan and David. Their souls were intertwined, and Jonathan loved David with a selfless and sacrificial love. It demonstrates the beauty of a genuine and loyal friendship.
Proverbs 19:4
“Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.”
This verse highlights the reality that some friendships are based on superficial factors such as wealth or social status. It warns against relying solely on such relationships, as they may be transient and shallow.
Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
This verse expresses the disappointment and betrayal experienced by the psalmist at the hands of a close friend. It serves as a reminder that even those we trust deeply can sometimes turn against us.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
This verse cautions against forming close friendships with individuals who have a propensity for anger and hostility. Such friendships can negatively impact our own attitudes and behaviors, leading us into negative patterns of thinking and acting.
Job 16:20-21
“My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor.”
Job, in his suffering, feels abandoned and scorned by his friends who do not understand his plight. This verse reflects the loneliness and despair that can come from a lack of true understanding and support from friends.
Proverbs 16:28
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
This verse warns against the destructive power of dishonesty and gossip. Such behaviors can undermine trust and cause division among friends, ultimately leading to the breakdown of their relationship.
Proverbs 12:26
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous people who can provide guidance and support. It cautions against allowing the influence of wicked individuals to lead us astray.
John 13:18
“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’”
Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 in reference to Judas, one of His disciples, who would later betray Him. This verse highlights the painful reality that even among believers, there may be those who turn against us.
Proverbs 16:29
“A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.”
This verse warns against befriending individuals who promote violence and lead others down destructive paths. It serves as a reminder to be discerning when choosing our friends and to seek those who will lead us in righteousness.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus declares the ultimate expression of love and friendship by stating that the greatest love is demonstrated when one lays down their life for their friends. This verse points to the sacrificial nature of true friendship.
Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
This verse compares the pleasantness of oil and perfume to the sweetness that comes from receiving wise and honest counsel from a true friend. It highlights the value of friends who offer sincere and helpful advice.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
Paul warns the Corinthians that associating with bad company can corrupt their moral values and character. This verse reminds Christians to be cautious about the influence of their friends and to choose wisely.
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse encourages the pursuit of friendships with wise individuals, as their influence can lead to personal growth and wisdom. It also stresses the detrimental consequences of being surrounded by foolish companions.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
James warns believers against forming deep friendships with the ways of the world, as it creates enmity with God. This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our friendship with God above worldly associations.
Proverbs 11:13
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”
This verse highlights the importance of trustworthiness and discretion in friendship. It teaches that a faithful friend does not betray confidences or engage in gossip, but rather preserves and protects shared secrets.
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.”
This verse emphasizes the value of maintaining long-standing friendships and cherishing those who have been faithful over time. It also suggests that a reliable neighbor can be more supportive in times of need than a distant sibling.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the mutual benefit and growth that come from having meaningful friendships. Just as iron sharpens iron, true friends challenge, encourage, and help one another grow in character and wisdom.
Proverbs 27:19
“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.”
This verse speaks to the depth and significance of friendship. Just as our reflection in water accurately portrays our physical appearance, our hearts and character are revealed through our friendships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in maintaining close friendships. It encourages the act of covering offenses and avoiding gossip or dwelling on past mistakes, as this can lead to division among friends.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
A true friend will not hesitate to give honest feedback or correction when necessary, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. This verse emphasizes that a genuine friend will offer truthful advice and guidance, even if it is not always pleasant to hear.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Although this verse does not directly address the topic of abandoning friends, it reminds Christians to extend love and pray for both friends and enemies alike. It encourages believers to show grace and kindness towards those who may have hurt them.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the mutual benefit and growth that come from having meaningful friendships. Just as iron sharpens iron, true friends challenge, encourage, and help one another grow in character and wisdom.
Proverbs 27:19
“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.”
This verse speaks to the depth and significance of friendship. Just as our reflection in water accurately portrays our physical appearance, our hearts and character are revealed through our friendships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in maintaining close friendships. It encourages the act of covering offenses and avoiding gossip or dwelling on past mistakes, as this can lead to division among friends.