What does the Bible say about friendships?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that godly friendships are gifts of God, marked by faithful love, wise counsel, mutual help, truthfulness, and a shared pursuit of holiness. Proverbs 18:24 and Proverbs 17:17 commend loyal companions who remain near in trouble, while Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 shows the strength and comfort believers provide one another. Proverbs 27:17 and Proverbs 27:6 teach that true friends sharpen us and speak honest, even painful, correction in love. Yet Scripture warns that companionship shapes the heart: Proverbs 22:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 caution against intimate ties that nurture sinful patterns. Above all, John 15:13 points to Christ, whose self-giving love establishes the model and foundation for Christian friendship.
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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 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.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
[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. [11] Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? [12] If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
- Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; So does earnest counsel from a man's friend.
- John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; Although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
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