What does the Bible say about friends?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that faithful friendship is a gift of God, marked by steadfast love, wise influence, mutual help, and ultimately modeled by Christ. Proverbs 17:17 and Ecclesiastes 4:10 commend friends who remain present in adversity and help one another rise. Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 warn that companions shape our character, calling believers to seek wise, godly fellowship. Proverbs 27:17 shows that true friends sharpen one another through loving truth. Yet human friendship can fail, as Psalms 41:9 laments. Jesus is the highest pattern and provision: in John 15:13-15, He calls His obedient disciples friends and proves His love by laying down His life for them.