What Does The Bible Say About Best Friends? (25 Bible Verses)

Friendship is a gift from God, and the Bible celebrates the value of true friends. God’s Word offers wisdom on how to build meaningful relationships. Today, let’s learn what the Bible says about best friends and the qualities of godly companionship.

Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bernice

What Does The Bible Say About Best Friends

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of true friendship that endures through all circumstances and challenges. A genuine friend is there to support and love you in both good times and bad times.

Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

This verse highlights the danger of relying on unreliable friends, but it also points out the incredible value of a loyal friend who remains steadfast and close like a family member.

Proverbs 27:9

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

This verse suggests that a true friend brings joy and happiness to our lives, and their genuine counsel and advice can be a source of comfort and wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

This verse emphasizes the power of friendship and the importance of having someone by your side in both work and life’s challenges. A friend can provide assistance and support in times of trouble.

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

This verse illustrates the idea that a true friend can help us grow and become better individuals through their influence, encouragement, and constructive criticism.

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

This verse speaks of sacrificial love, highlighting the depth of true friendship where one is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the well-being of their friends.

Proverbs 27:6

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

This verse suggests that true friends are not only there to offer support and encouragement but also to provide honest feedback and correction, even though it may temporarily hurt.

James 4:8

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

This verse reminds us that having a close relationship with God is essential, and through that relationship, we can find guidance and strength to be better friends ourselves.

Proverbs 13:20

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our friends wisely, as their influence can shape our character and ultimately impact our lives positively or negatively.

1 Samuel 18:1

“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.”

This verse depicts the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan, highlighting the deep connection and love they had for each other.

Proverbs 27:19

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

This verse reminds us that true friendship is not just about superficial appearances but about the character and inner qualities of a person.

Proverbs 12:26

“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

This verse advises us to be selective in choosing our friends, seeking companions who share our moral values and can positively influence our lives.

Proverbs 22:24-25

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”

This verse warns against forming close relationships with people who have a quick and volatile temper, as their behavior can negatively influence our own actions and attitudes.

Proverbs 27:10

“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of being there for our friends and their families, as their support and proximity can often be more valuable than distant relatives when facing challenging times.

John 15:15

“I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

This verse signifies that Jesus calls his disciples friends, emphasizing the intimacy and trust that exists within a close relationship with Him.

Ruth 1:16-17

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”

This verse showcases the loyalty and commitment of Ruth towards her friend Naomi, as she declares her unwavering dedication to remain by her side even in the face of adversity and death.

Proverbs 16:28

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

This verse serves as a reminder to avoid spreading gossip or engaging in destructive behavior that can harm or destroy close friendships.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This famous passage from the apostle Paul highlights the qualities of true love, which are also essential in maintaining healthy and lasting friendships.

Proverbs 27:5-6

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

This verse reminds us that genuine friendship involves speaking the truth even when it may be difficult to hear. True friends are willing to offer honest feedback and correction, guiding us on the right path.

Job 6:14

“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”

This verse indicates that failing to show kindness and compassion to a friend goes against the principles of fearing and honoring God.

Proverbs 27:10

“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”

This verse reinforces the importance of being there for our friends in times of need, as their support and presence can be more valuable than distant family members.

Colossians 3:12-14

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

This passage encourages believers to embody qualities such as compassion, forgiveness, and love, which are crucial not only in our relationship with God but also in our friendships with others.

Proverbs 22:11

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”

This verse suggests that displaying purity of heart and gracious speech can attract the favor and friendship of others, even those in high positions of authority.

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

This verse illustrates the impact of true friendship in challenging and refining one another’s character, bringing out the best in each other through mutual growth and encouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

This verse reminds us to uplift and support one another in our friendships, being a source of encouragement and inspiration to help each other grow.