What does the Bible say about best friends?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that true friends are loyal, loving, wise companions who strengthen one another, forgive faults, and help each other walk in godliness. Proverbs 18:24 and 17:17 praise the friend who stays closer than a brother and loves at all times. Proverbs 17:9 commends covering an offense rather than repeating it, while Proverbs 27:17 shows that faithful friendship sharpens character through honest counsel. Scripture also warns against companions whose anger, gossip, or strife may shape us for harm, as Proverbs 16:28 and 22:24-25 teach. Ecclesiastes 4:10 celebrates the friend who lifts another in weakness. Such friendship reflects God’s gracious care and should be cultivated with humility, faithfulness, and love.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
- Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
- Proverbs 17:9
He who covers an offense promotes love; But he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
- Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
- Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Ecclesiastes 4:10
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have another to lift him up.
- Job 6:14
"To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; Even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
- Proverbs 22:24-25
[24] Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors anger: [25] Lest you learn his ways, And ensnare your soul.
- Proverbs 12:26
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
- Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; So does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
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