What does the Bible say about making friends?
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The Bible teaches that godly friendship is a gift to pursue wisely, marked by love, faithfulness, mutual help, and encouragement in holiness. Proverbs 18:24 and 17:17 commend friends who remain loyal, while Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shows the strength of companions who help one another in need. Believers should choose close friends carefully, since companions shape character for good or ill (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Proverbs 27:17 portrays true friends as those who sharpen one another, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls Christians to build each other up. In all relationships, Jesus' command to treat others as we would wish to be treated guides humble, loving friendship (Luke 6:31).
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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 17:17
A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
- Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- 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.
- Luke 6:31
"As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
- Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
- Proverbs 12:26
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
[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.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.
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