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What does the Bible say about friends with unbelievers?

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The Bible teaches that Christians may show love and kindness to unbelievers, but should not form friendships or partnerships that draw them away from faithful obedience to Christ. Believers are called to be “in the world” as witnesses, not to share its rebellious values or deepest loyalties. Second Corinthians 6:14 warns against unequal spiritual yoking, while 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Proverbs 13:20 stress the shaping power of close companions. Psalms 1:1-6 contrasts the path of the righteous with the counsel of the wicked. Christians should love enemies, seek their good, and speak the gospel, yet resist conformity to the world (Romans 12:2; James 4:4) and treasure their identity in Christ (John 15:18-19).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14

    Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

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

  • 1 John 2:15

    Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him.

  • Psalms 1:1-6

    [1] Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] But his delight is in Yahweh's law; On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper. [4] The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. [6] For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish.

  • Proverbs 13:20

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

  • James 4:4

    You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

  • Matthew 7:6

    "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

  • John 15:18-19

    [18] If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Matthew 10:14

    Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.

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