Friendship is a gift from God, and the Bible gives wisdom on building strong, godly relationships. From loyalty to love, it highlights the qualities of true friends. Today, let’s explore what Scripture teaches about meaningful and lasting friendships.
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What Does The Bible Say About Friendship
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of true friendship that goes beyond just good times. A friend who loves at all times is someone who stands by your side through thick and thin, supporting you even in times of adversity.
Friendship is a bond that is meant to be enduring and unconditional, mirroring the love and support that a family member would provide. This verse reminds us of the value of having friends who are there for us in both the good and the challenging moments of life.
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 importance of choosing friends wisely. If we surround ourselves with unreliable friends who may not have our best interests at heart, it can lead to negative consequences and even ruin.
However, the verse also offers hope, reminding us that there are friends who will stick closer to us than even our own brothers. These true friends are trustworthy, loyal, and will remain by our side no matter what.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse emphasizes the value of honest and truthful friendships. A true friend is not afraid to speak the truth, even if it may be painful or challenging to hear. Their words, like wounds, can be trusted because they come from a place of genuine concern and love.
In contrast, an enemy may shower us with flattery and false affection, represented by multiplied kisses, but their intentions are ultimately self-serving and harmful. It is vital to have friends who will speak the truth to us, even if it is difficult, as their intentions are genuine.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse compares the delightful fragrance of perfume and incense to the joy that comes from a true friend’s heartfelt advice. Just as pleasant scents uplift and bring joy to our hearts, the wise counsel and guidance of a trusted friend have the power to bring happiness and comfort to our lives.
A friend who provides genuine and heartfelt advice is a precious gift, as their wisdom can help us navigate life’s challenges and make better decisions. Their words are like a soothing balm for the soul.
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 benefits of companionship and the support that comes from having a friend by your side. Two people working together can accomplish more than they could on their own and reap the rewards of their combined efforts.
In times of difficulty, having a friend to lean on and receive help from is invaluable. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of friendship in both the good and the challenging moments of life.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse beautifully captures the idea that true friendship has the power to sharpen and strengthen us. Just as two iron blades rubbing against each other can produce a sharper edge, a genuine friend can challenge and inspire us to grow and improve in various aspects of life.
A sincere friend will offer constructive criticism, point out our blind spots, and encourage us to become the best version of ourselves. Their influence has the potential to positively shape and refine our character.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing our friends wisely and surrounding ourselves with people who are wise and virtuous. When we associate with wise and discerning individuals, their wisdom rubs off on us, and we become wiser ourselves.
Conversely, if we choose the company of foolish and unwise individuals, we are likely to suffer harm and be negatively influenced by their poor choices and behaviors. It is crucial to seek friendships that uplift and inspire us to grow in wisdom and righteousness.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse reminds believers of the importance of being cautious about the friendships we form in the world. While it doesn’t mean we should isolate ourselves, it cautions against aligning our lives too closely with the values and desires of the worldly minded.
As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it. We should seek friendships that encourage our faith, propel us towards godliness, and reflect the values and principles taught to us in the Word of God.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This verse speaks of the highest form of love, which is sacrificial love. Jesus exemplified this love through His death on the cross. True friendship involves a willingness to sacrifice for one another, to put the needs and well-being of our friends above our own.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another sacrificially, just as He loved us. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our love for our friends and encourages us to emulate Christ’s love in our relationships.
1 Samuel 18:1
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
This verse portrays the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan. Their bond was so strong that they became like brothers in spirit, and Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
This friendship is an excellent example of selfless love and loyalty. It reminds us of the power of kindred spirits and the depth of connection that can be formed through friendship.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse serves as a reminder that true friends reflect and impact our lives. Just as water perfectly reflects the image before it, the people we choose to surround ourselves with have a profound influence on shaping who we are and how we live.
This verse compels us to consider the heart and character of the friends we choose, as their influence is bound to leave a mark on our lives. It emphasizes the significance of cultivating friendships with individuals who align with our values and desired trajectory.
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 friendships with people who have a quick temper or easily become angry. The reasoning behind this caution is that we can easily be influenced by their behavior and way of handling situations.
The company we keep has the power to shape our own character and choices. It is wise to avoid walking closely with individuals whose anger and hot temper could entangle us in their destructive patterns.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
This verse highlights the rarity of finding true and faithful friends. Many people may claim to have unfailing love or loyalty, but it takes discernment and time to discover those who truly possess these qualities.
It challenges us to value and cherish loyal and faithful friends when we find them, recognizing their worth and the preciousness of their friendship.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse provides a clear warning about the influence of our friendships and associations. It reminds us that spending time with those who have evil intentions or indulge in immoral behaviors can corrupt our own character.
As Christians, it is essential to choose friends who encourage us to walk in righteousness and live according to the teachings of the Bible. Our friendships should uplift and inspire us in our faith rather than lead us astray.
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 highlights the value of true friendship and the importance of being there for each other during times of difficulty. It urges us not to abandon our friends or neglect their needs, even when we are faced with personal challenges.
Having a faithful friend who is nearby and available to offer support is more valuable than the distant presence of a relative. This verse reminds us of the significance of being a dependable friend.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus reveals the depth of His relationship with His disciples. He elevates them from being servants to being called friends. Jesus emphasizes that friends share their lives and intimate knowledge with one another.
As followers of Christ, we have been invited into a deep and personal relationship with Him. This verse reminds us of the privilege of being called friends by our Lord and the privilege of sharing in His teachings and revelations.
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 speaks to the qualities we should embody in our relationships, including friendships. As God’s chosen people, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Furthermore, the importance of forgiveness is emphasized, urging us to be willing to forgive one another as the Lord forgave us. Love is presented as the ultimate binding agent that unites all these virtues and promotes unity.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
These verses reiterate the value of truthful and honest friendships. Open rebuke, though it may be uncomfortable, is more beneficial than hidden love, which fails to address issues or concerns.
Wounds or words of correction from a friend are trustworthy because they come from a place of genuine care and concern. In contrast, an enemy may appear kind on the surface but only seeks to deceive or manipulate. True friends are willing to confront and speak the truth, even if it is difficult to do so.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of communal support and compassion among believers. We are called to bear one another’s burdens, offering help and encouragement as needed.
By carrying each other’s burdens, we not only fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love our neighbors as ourselves, but also foster a sense of unity and interconnectedness within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse beautifully captures the concept of friends sharpening and refining one another. Just as iron blades rubbing against each other produce a sharper edge, the interactions and influence of true friends can lead to personal growth and development.
A sincere friend challenges us, inspires us, and helps us become better versions of ourselves. This verse encourages us to cultivate friendships that have a positive and transformative impact on our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse reminds us of the significance of offering encouragement and support to one another in our friendships. As believers, we are called to build each other up, inspiring and motivating our friends to continue growing in their faith and personal journeys.
Our words and actions have the power to bring comfort, strength, and hope to those around us. This verse encourages us to be intentional in uplifting and encouraging our friends, acknowledging the positive impact it can have on their lives.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse serves as a caution against the destructive behaviors of gossip and stirring up conflict. These actions have the power to sever even the closest of friendships.
As friends, it is essential to choose our words wisely and to avoid engaging in spreading rumors or causing division among others. This verse reminds us of the importance of fostering an atmosphere of trust and unity within our friendships.
1 John 4:12
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
This verse speaks to the connection between our love for one another and our relationship with God. While no one has physically seen God, His love becomes evident and visible through our love for one another.
Our friendships should reflect the love of Christ, allowing His love to shine through us. This verse reminds us of the profound impact our friendships can have in demonstrating the love of God to the world.
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 portrays the deep loyalty and commitment between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s words reflect her unwavering devotion and determination to remain by Naomi’s side, even in the face of personal sacrifice.
This passage reminds us of the power of selfless friendship and the impact that genuine loyalty can have in sustaining and strengthening relationships.
These Bible verses provide important insights into the topic of friendship and the qualities that should be valued and sought in our relationships. From selfless love and loyalty to honesty and support, the Scriptures teach us the significance of choosing our friends wisely and nurturing our friendships with care. As believers, we are called to emulate the qualities of true friendship and strive to create an environment of love, encouragement, and growth within our relationships. May these verses inspire and guide us as we cultivate and cherish the friendships that bless our lives.