What does the Bible say about true friendships?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that true friendships are marked by faithful love, wise influence, loyalty in hardship, and a shared pursuit of godliness. Proverbs 17:17 says a friend loves at all times, while Proverbs 18:24 points to the rare blessing of a friend who stays closer than a brother. Such friendship does not merely affirm us, but helps shape us: Proverbs 27:17 describes friends sharpening one another, and 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns that harmful companions corrupt good character. Because gossip and deceit divide people, Proverbs 16:28 calls believers away from quarrelsome speech. In Christ, Christians are to seek friends who encourage faith, speak truth with love, forgive readily, and help one another persevere.
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.
- 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 16:28
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
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