What does the Bible say about choosing friends?
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The Bible teaches that we should choose friends wisely, seeking companions who encourage godliness, truth, love, and perseverance in faith. Proverbs 13:20 warns that those who walk with the wise grow wise, while 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions that bad company corrupts good character. Faithful friends sharpen one another, offer loving counsel, and remain near in adversity, as Proverbs 27:17 and 17:17 show. Scripture also warns against close fellowship with the angry and divisive, lest we learn their ways (Proverbs 22:24-25; 16:28). Though Christ alone is our perfect friend and Savior, God ordinarily uses faithful believers to strengthen, comfort, and help us endure together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
- Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
- Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
- Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
- Proverbs 12:26
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
- 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.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
[9] Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. [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.
- Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; So does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
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