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What does the Bible say about losing friends?

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The Bible teaches that losing friends can bring real sorrow, yet God calls His people to seek faithful companionship, endure rejection for Christ, and rest in His unfailing care. Proverbs 18:24 and 17:17 commend the loyal friend who loves in adversity, while Proverbs 27:4-6 reminds us that honest correction may be more loving than flattering words. Jesus warned in John 15:18-23 and Matthew 10:22 that allegiance to Him may bring opposition and broken relationships. Believers should also heed 1 Corinthians 15:33, avoiding companionship that draws them from godliness. In grief, Psalms 34:17-20 assures us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and 2 Corinthians 12:9 declares that His grace is sufficient.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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.

  • Psalms 34:17-20

    [17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.

  • John 15:18-23

    [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. [20] Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they don't know him who sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. [23] He who hates me, hates my Father also.

  • Proverbs 27:4-6

    [4] Wrath is cruel, And anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy? [5] Better is open rebuke Than hidden love. [6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend; Although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

  • Matthew 10:22

    You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

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

  • Proverbs 17:17

    A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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