50 Bible Verses About Friendship

Introduction to Bible Verses About Friendship

Embarking on a journey through the sacred texts, we encounter the enduring wisdom of bible verses about friendship that transcend time and culture. These scriptures are not mere sentences; they are life’s signposts, pointing us toward the essence of human connection as envisioned by the divine. The Bible presents friendship as a sacred covenant, illustrated in the mutual love and respect of David and Jonathan, where loyalty is extolled as a virtue greater than the allure of power or the binds of blood. 

Within the pages of the Bible, we discover that the fabric of friendship is woven with threads of divine principles. Verses such as Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” capture the mutual edification that true friendships foster. The admonitions and affirmations found in these bible verses about friendship guide us in selecting companions who not only share our joys and sorrows but also call forth the best in us, reminding us of the wise caution in Proverbs 22:24-25, to avoid the pitfalls of anger and the snare of bad influence. 

To immerse oneself in the biblical narrative is to find that friendship is not just a feature of earthly bonds but is also a reflection of the divine relationship between God and humanity. John 15:13-15 doesn’t merely redefine the boundaries of love with the words, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” but it also invites us into a friendship with the divine that is marked by sacrifice and intimate knowledge. 

As we delve deeper into these 50 bible verses about friendship, let us approach them as not only historical reflections but as current conversations. They beckon us to embrace a companionship that is not only supportive in times of ease but also resilient in moments of challenge. These verses are a call to action—a call to live out the values that epitomize the true spirit of biblical friendship in our daily lives. Through this exploration, may we come to embody the virtues that these scriptures uphold, crafting friendships that are as enriching and enduring as the words that inspire them. 

The Importance of Friendship

In the tapestry of human connections, friendships are among the most cherished threads. This selection shines a light on the profound impact that friendship can have on an individual’s life. The Bible verses here serve as a testament to the multifaceted nature of friendships, emphasizing their potential to sharpen our character, multiply our joys, and divide our sorrows. These scriptures reveal that through the bonds of friendship, we find strength in numbers and experience the tangible presence of love and support in our journey through life. 

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. NIV

In Other Words: Just as steel sharpens steel, a person sharpens the character of his friend. 

One-Line Summary: Friends shape and improve each other’s character through interaction. 

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. 

In Other Words: Two are superior to one, for they have a good reward for their efforts: If one falls, the other can lift his companion. 

One-Line Summary: Two friends can accomplish more together and can help each other in tough times. 

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 

In Other Words: A true friend loves consistently, and a sibling is there for times of challenge. 

One-Line Summary: True friends are loyal at all times, especially during hardships. 

Proverbs 18:24

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

In Other Words: Someone with unreliable companions will suffer, but there is a companion who remains more loyal than a sibling. 

One-Line Summary: Some friendships can be unreliable, but there are rare friends who are closer than family. 

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. 

In Other Words: Avoid befriending an easily angered individual, and steer clear of the temperamental, or you might learn their ways and find yourself trapped. 

One-Line Summary: Associating with quick-tempered people can influence you negatively. 

Characteristics of Good Friends

What is the anatomy of a good friend? This section delves into the virtues and values that are the hallmark of meaningful friendships, as portrayed in the Bible. These verses offer a blueprint for cultivating relationships that are rooted in mutual respect, kindness, integrity, and empathy. They serve as a guide on how to be and what to look for in a friend, providing a moral compass for developing relationships that not only endure but also thrive in the face of life’s challenges. 

Proverbs 27:9

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

In Other Words: The sweetness of a friend comes from their earnest counsel. 

One-Line Summary: The counsel and companionship of a friend can be a source of deep joy. 

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

In Other Words: Clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. 

One-Line Summary: Believers are encouraged to treat each other with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. 

Proverbs 11:13

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. 

In Other Words: A confidant keeps a secret safe, whereas a talebearer reveals confidences. 

One-Line Summary: A trustworthy person keeps a secret, unlike a gossip who spreads it. 

Luke 6:31

Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

In Other Words: Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 

One-Line Summary: Treat others the way you want to be treated to cultivate good friendships. 

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

In Other Words: Be tenderhearted and kind to one another, forgiving each other as Christ has forgiven you. 

One-Line Summary: Encourages being kind, compassionate, and forgiving, following Christ’s example. 

True and False Friends

Navigating the waters of friendship requires the discernment to distinguish between sincerity and pretense. This listing presents biblical wisdom on recognizing the contrasts between true companionship and feigned allegiance. The scriptures caution against the perils of misplaced trust and the pain of betrayal, while also highlighting the beauty of genuine connections. They remind us that true friends are those who walk in when the rest of the world walks out. 

Proverbs 26:24-26

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. 

In Other Words: An adversary may disguise their hostility with their words, but inside they harbor deceit. 

One-Line Summary: A deceitful person may hide their malice with nice words, but their evil intentions will be revealed. 

Psalm 41:9

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. 

In Other Words: Even a companion I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 

One-Line Summary: Betrayal can come from even the closest of friends. 

Proverbs 16:28

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

In Other Words: A corrupt person incites trouble, and a slanderer can separate the closest allies. 

One-Line Summary: A dishonest person causes trouble and can drive a wedge between friends. 

Proverbs 12:26

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

In Other Words: The virtuous carefully select their friends, but the wicked lead each other astray. 

One-Line Summary: The righteous choose their friends carefully to avoid bad influences. 

Proverbs 19:4

Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. 

In Other Words: Wealth garners many companions, but the poor are left friendless. 

One-Line Summary: Wealth attracts many friends, but the poor are often abandoned. 

Friends in Times of Trouble

The true test of friendship often comes in times of adversity. These verses encapsulate the vital role that friends play when we encounter the storms of life. The Bible recognizes that a companion who shares our troubles not only brings comfort but can also be a source of resilience and hope. These passages remind us that while pain and hardship are inevitable, they are bearable with the presence of steadfast companions who anchor us with their unwavering support. 

Job 2:11

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 

In Other Words: When Job’s three associates, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, heard of the adversity that had befallen him, they came from afar to express sympathy and comfort. 

One-Line Summary: Job’s friends came to show their support during his time of suffering. 

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. 

In Other Words: Do not abandon your own friend or your family’s friend, and don’t rush to your relative’s house during calamity—better a neighbor close by than a relative far away. 

One-Line Summary: It’s better to depend on a nearby friend than a distant family member in times of crisis. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12

 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 

In Other Words: An individual may be overpowered, but two can defend themselves. A threefold cord is not easily broken. 

One-Line Summary: A person can be overwhelmed alone but standing together can offer better defense. 

1 Samuel 18:3

And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 

In Other Words: Jonathan entered into a covenant with David, for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 

One-Line Summary: Jonathan’s commitment to David was an example of deep and loyal friendship. 

Proverbs 17:9

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. 

In Other Words: One who forgives an offense seeks love, but one who dwells on disputes separates close friends. 

One-Line Summary: Forgiving someone’s mistakes can strengthen a friendship, while dwelling on problems can destroy it. 

Friends Who Give Counsel

In this collection, the focus shifts to the exchange of wisdom and guidance that is integral to the fabric of friendship. The Bible holds in high regard the counsel of a friend, equating it to a precious gift that can lead one towards the path of wisdom and away from folly. The verses here teach us that through constructive criticism and shared insights, friendships can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and moral fortitude. 

Proverbs 27:6

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

In Other Words: Faithful are the wounds a friend inflicts, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

One-Line Summary: A friend’s honest critique, even when painful, is valuable and shows their care for you. 

Proverbs 15:22

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 

In Other Words: Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors, they succeed. 

One-Line Summary: Plans succeed with many advisors, highlighting the importance of seeking advice from friends. 

Proverbs 24:26

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. 

In Other Words: A truthful response is like a sign of affection. 

One-Line Summary: An honest answer is a sign of true friendship. 

Proverbs 27:5

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 

In Other Words: Open rebuke is better than secret love. 

One-Line Summary: Open rebuke can be valuable to a relationship, more so than hidden love. 

Proverbs 12:15

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. 

In Other Words: Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others’ guidance. 

One-Line Summary: Wise people listen to advice, while fools ignore it, even from friends. 

Friendship with God

Friendship extends beyond the earthly realm, reaching into the spiritual domain of the divine. This unique category explores the intimate relationship between God and humans, as depicted in the Bible. The verses illustrate that the Almighty seeks a personal and profound connection with us, one that mirrors the dynamics of a loving friendship. Through this relationship, we see the exemplification of loyalty, understanding, and a covenant that transcends time and human limitations. 

John 15:13-15

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. 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 Other Words: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for friends. If you follow my lead, you are my friends. I call you friends, for I have shared with you everything I’ve heard from my Father. 

One-Line Summary: esus speaks of the ultimate love shown in sacrifice and calls His followers friends, sharing divine truths with them. 

James 2:23

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. 

In Other Words: Thus the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness,’ and he was called a friend of God. 

One-Line Summary: Abraham’s faith was so strong that it was counted as righteousness, earning him the title “friend of God.” 

Proverbs 3:32

For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. 

In Other Words: For the Lord detests the perverse but shares his secrets with the upright. 

One-Line Summary: God shares His confidences with the upright, as with friends. 

2 Chronicles 20:7

Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 

In Other Words: Did you not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 

One-Line Summary: God made a lasting covenant with Abraham, showing a friendship that benefited his descendants. 

Isaiah 41:8

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend. 

In Other Words: But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have selected, the offspring of Abraham, my friend.

One-Line Summary: God calls Israel His servant and friend, highlighting the chosen relationship with His people. 

Loving Your Friends

To cherish friends is to actively cultivate the garden of our relationships with the nourishment of love and attention. The Bible, through these verses, calls upon us to embrace our friends with the kind of love that is active, forgiving, and selfless. It teaches that to value a friend is to recognize their worth in our lives as a blessing and to respond to that blessing with a commitment that reflects the very essence of divine love. 

1 John 4:7

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 

In Other Words: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God, and whoever loves is born of God and knows God. 

One-Line Summary: Loving one another is a reflection of God’s love and a sign of knowing Him. 

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

In Other Words: Love one another deeply as members of one family; give precedence to one another in honor. 

One-Line Summary: Being devoted in love to friends is a demonstration of honor and affection. 

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

In Other Words: Most importantly, maintain intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. 

One-Line Summary: Love deeply because it has the power to forgive and overlook many mistakes. 

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. 

In Other Words: Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. 

One-Line Summary: Love can mend all kinds of disputes, whereas hatred only causes strife. 

John 13:34

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

In Other Words: I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. 

One-Line Summary: Jesus commands His followers to love one another just as He loved them, setting a standard for friendship. 

Friends and Conflict

The path of friendship is not without its bumps and turns. The verses in this category provide a roadmap for navigating through conflicts and misunderstandings that are inevitable in any close relationship. The biblical perspective here encourages us to approach disputes with a heart poised for reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of communication, patience, and a willingness to forgive as the building blocks for a stronger, more enduring friendship. 

Matthew 18:15

If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 

In Other Words: If your friend sins against you, go and show them their fault in private. If they listen to you, you have won your friend over. 

One-Line Summary: Addressing personal grievances privately can resolve conflicts and preserve friendships. 

Proverbs 20:3

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 

In Other Words: Avoiding strife brings a person honor, but every fool is quick to pick a fight. 

One-Line Summary: It is honorable to avoid fighting, unlike the foolish who are quick to argue. 

Galatians 6:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 

In Other Words: Brethren, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, keeping a watch on yourself, lest you also be tempted. 

One-Line Summary: Help each other overcome faults gently, watching yourself in the process. 

Ephesians 4:26

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 

In Other Words: Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger. 

One-Line Summary: Manage anger righteously and resolve it quickly to maintain peace. 

Proverbs 15:18

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. 

In Other Words: A person prone to anger stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. 

One-Line Summary: Patience can de-escalate conflict, but anger can provoke it. 

Wisdom in Friendship

Here, the Bible celebrates the role of wisdom as a guiding force in the realm of relationships. These passages underscore the influence of friends on our decisions and life directions, illustrating that wisdom—or the lack thereof—in one’s choice of friends can have profound implications. The counsel of the Bible encourages the cultivation of friendships that inspire us to live uprightly and to seek companions who challenge us to grow in wisdom and virtue. 

Proverbs 13:20

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

In Other Words: Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the companion of fools will face difficulties. 

One-Line Summary: Associating with wise people makes one wiser, but foolish companions lead to harm. 

Proverbs 9:9

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 

In Other Words: Give instruction to a wise person, and they will become even wiser; teach a righteous person and they will gain in learning. 

One-Line Summary:  Instructing a wise person enriches their wisdom and learning. 

Psalm 119:63

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 

In Other Words: I am a companion to all who fear you and to those who keep your precepts. 

One-Line Summary: Sharing a bond with those who respect divine laws creates a community of friends. 

Proverbs 14:7

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. 

In Other Words: Stay away from a foolish person, for you will not find insightful words there. 

One-Line Summary: Avoid the company of fools, as they offer no wisdom. 

Proverbs 22:11

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

In Other Words: He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend. 

One-Line Summary: Love for purity and gracious words earns the friendship of leaders. 

Influence and Association

Our companions leave an indelible mark on our lives; this category reminds us that our friendships can shape our character and destiny. These verses serve as a cautionary tale about the subtle yet significant impact that our associates can exert on our moral compass. The wisdom here advocates for the pursuit of company that aligns with our deepest values, urging us to forge bonds with those who encourage us to live out the best versions of ourselves. 

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ 

In Other Words: Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ 

One-Line Summary: Bad company can corrupt good character. 

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 

In Other Words: He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 

One-Line Summary: Walking with the wise leads to wisdom, while the company of fools leads to trouble. 

Proverbs 2:20

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 

In Other Words: Thus, you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 

One-Line Summary: Following the path of the upright leads to association with the good. 

Proverbs 4:14-15

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 

In Other Words: Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. 

One-Line Summary: Avoid the path of the wicked to steer clear of evil. 

Proverbs 28:7

A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 

In Other Words: A son who heeds instruction is discerning, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 

One-Line Summary: A wise person listens to guidance, unlike those who indulge excessively and bring shame. 

Conclusion

In the mosaic of biblical teachings, the theme of friendship stands out with resounding clarity. As we reflect on the collection of 50 bible verses about friendship, we are reminded of the power that these relationships hold and the divine expectation of their expression. In the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” we find the strength of friendship that is interwoven with spiritual fortitude, a bond that is not easily severed by life’s trials and tribulations. 

Through the exploration of these bible verses about friendship, we have traversed a landscape where friends are seen as mirrors reflecting the integrity of our own hearts, as stated in Proverbs 27:19, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” We’ve been encouraged by the biblical call to love at all times through Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity,” highlighting that the true measure of friendship is not found in fair-weather companionship but in the willingness to walk through storms together. 

In closing, the full spectrum of friendship as depicted in the Bible challenges us to both celebrate the companions we have been blessed with and to strive to be that embodiment of godly friendship to others. Whether it’s rejoicing with those who rejoice or mourning with those who mourn, these bible verses about friendship implore us to actively engage in relationships with the love, loyalty, and wisdom that honors the Creator’s intentions for human connection. Let us carry forward the truth that biblical friendship is a sacred echo of the love God has for each of us, a charge to keep with honor and a privilege to treasure with gratitude. 

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Friendship Bible Verses

A Prayer Inspired by Friendship Bible Verses

In the light of the profound insights provided by the Bible on the essence of friendship, let us come before God in prayer. This prayer seeks to encapsulate the wisdom, gratitude, and aspirations that these scriptures inspire within us regarding the relationships we cherish with our friends. May this prayer serve as an offering of our hearts’ intentions, reflecting the divine teachings on companionship, loyalty, and love.

Our Prayer Inspired by Our Selection of Bible Verses About Friendship

Heavenly Father,

We come to You with hearts full of thankfulness for the gift of friendship – a reflection of Your love and companionship. Lord, as Proverbs 17:17 reminds us, “A friend loves at all times,” we pray for the grace to embody this unconditional love in our relationships. May our friendships mirror the loyalty and commitment that You show to us, Your children.

Guide us, O God, to be friends who sharpen as iron sharpens iron, as in Proverbs 27:17, fostering growth, wisdom, and strength in one another. In times of joy and in times of trial, help us to be present for our friends, bearing each other’s burdens with the empathy and understanding You have modeled through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, we seek Your wisdom in choosing our companions, as instructed in Proverbs 12:26. Lead us towards those who encourage us to walk in righteousness, and give us discernment to nurture relationships that bring us closer to You. Help us to be friends who speak truth in love, who offer counsel that is both wise and kind, reflecting the honesty and gentleness of Your Spirit.

In conflicts, grant us the humility and patience to seek reconciliation, following Your guidance in Ephesians 4:2-3 to be completely humble and gentle. May our friendships not only survive challenges but become stronger and more genuine through them.

Above all, Lord, we thank You for the ultimate friendship we have in You. As shown in John 15:13-15, You call us friends, inviting us into a relationship of closeness and trust. May our earthly friendships be a testament to Your love and a witness to the joy and peace found in living according to Your will.

We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and our greatest friend.

Amen.