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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.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • John 15:13

    Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his 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.

  • 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 13:20

    One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."

  • Proverbs 27:17

    Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.

  • John 15:15

    No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.

  • John 15:14

    You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.

  • Psalms 41:9

    Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who ate bread with me, Has lifted up his heel against me.

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