24 Bible Verses about Friendship (With Commentary)

Searching for deeper connections in our lives? Many of us struggle to understand the essence of true friendship. Discovering what scripture says about companionship can offer us heavenly insight and guidance.

Dive into these passages; they’re a beacon for forging bonds that mirror divine intentions—read on!

The Value of Friendship

Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

A true friend sticks by you no matter what. Proverbs 17:17 shows us that good friends love all the time. They don’t leave when trouble comes. Instead, they stand closer than a brother would.

This wisdom from the Bible tells us about loyalty and support in friendships.

Loving at all times can be tough, but it’s what makes a friendship last. During hard times or happy days, a steadfast friend is a priceless gift. Proverbs 17:17 serves as guidance, reminding us to cherish those loyal companions in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us that two friends can achieve more together than alone. This verse says a friend can lift you up if you fall down. That’s real support! Imagine one person trying to lift a heavy load—tough, right? Now picture two people sharing the weight—it gets easier.

Life hits hard sometimes, but having someone by your side makes all the difference. This scripture shows how crucial it is to have friends who help and encourage each other through tough times.

Think about it, no one should face life’s battles solo; we all need a buddy to count on when things go sideways.

Proverbs 27:9

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."

Friendship is like sweet perfume. In Proverbs 27:9, we learn that good friends refresh the soul. Just as oil and incense bring joy to the heart, so does a friend who gives sincere advice.

This scripture shows us how important it is to have someone in our lives who can share honest thoughts and care about our well-being.

A true friend’s heartfelt counsel is one of life’s greatest treasures. It brings joy and comfort much more than any riches ever could. The verse urges us not only to find such sweet friendships but also to be that kind of friend ourselves—one who enriches others’ lives with kindness and wisdom.

Characteristics of Good Friends

Proverbs 27:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that just like iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen each other. This verse is all about how true friends help and improve one another. They talk honestly and push each other to be their best.

The phrase “iron sharpens iron” paints a picture of two people making each other stronger through their friendship.

Think of it as a partnership where both friends win. People who care about you will offer helpful criticism, not fake compliments. This kind of friendship leads to personal growth.

It encourages you to look at yourself and find ways to get better. True friends won’t cut you down; they’ll build you up with wisdom and truth.

Proverbs 22:24-25

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."

Stay away from anyone who gets angry easily. If you hang out with a hot-tempered person, you might learn their bad habits. You could get trapped by the way they act. It’s important to pick friends who have good qualities.

Being around people who lose their temper can change you in a bad way. Look for friends who are kind and calm instead. They will help you become better, not worse.

1 Samuel 18:1

"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself."

Jonathan’s heart connected with David’s right after David finished talking with Saul. This is in 1 Samuel 18:1. A deep bond formed between them, so strong that Jonathan made a pact with David because he loved him as his own soul.

Jonathan and David set an example of what true friendship looks like: loyalty, love, and a promise to stand by each other. Their story shows us the power of friendship to unite hearts and lives even amidst tough times.

It wasn’t just about being friends; they treated each other like family.

The Loyalty of Friends

Proverbs 18:24

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Friends come and go, but some are more precious than family. Proverbs 18:24 tells us that having a lot of friends doesn’t guarantee support when we need it most. It warns us to be wise in choosing our companions because true friendship sticks closer than a brother.

This deep bond is rare and worth more than dozens of casual friendships.

Look for the friend who remains loyal through thick and thin. They’re the ones who will walk with you during hard times instead of walking away. Their loyalty reflects the kind of love and dedication that can change lives, offering steadfast support no matter what comes your way.

Ruth 1:16-17

"But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'"

Ruth’s words to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17 shine with loyalty and love. She tells Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay.” This pledges a deep commitment between friends.

Their bond is so strong that Ruth chooses to leave her own country to be with Naomi. She says, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” These words mark the start of an enduring friendship built on shared faith and unwavering support.

Their story teaches us true friendship doesn’t give up when things get tough. Ruth sticks with Naomi through hard times and even follows her into a new land. Her promise shows us what it means to stand by someone no matter what—”until death parts us,” as she declares.

Through this tale, we learn about the power of choosing companions who share our values and encourage us to grow stronger together in faithfulness and unity.

1 Samuel 20:42

"Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’' Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town."

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord.” This verse from 1 Samuel 20:42 shows a solemn promise between friends. Their deep bond was like that of brothers, and they trusted God to keep their friendship strong even when they had to part ways.

This moment highlights loyalty at its strongest. Though Jonathan was King Saul’s son, he chose his friend David over his own father—knowing David was meant to be king instead. It’s a powerful picture of how true friends put one another first and rely on faith to guide them through tough choices.

Friendship and Wisdom

Proverbs 13:20

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Proverbs 13:20 tells us that hanging out with wise people can make us smarter. But if we choose fools as friends, we could end up in trouble. Think about it like picking fruit from a tree.

Stand next to a tree with good fruit, and you’ll have something tasty to eat; stand next to one with rotten fruit, and you might get hit by something gross!

It’s smart to be friends with those who love God because they help us live better lives. They push us towards what is right and keep our feet on the path of wisdom. It’s like having a coach in the game of life who helps us win big!

Proverbs 12:26

"The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

Be smart about who you make friends with. Proverbs 12:26 tells us that hanging out with the wrong crowd can lead to trouble. Righteous folks will guide you well, but wicked ones might steer you down a bad path.

It’s important to be picky and go for friends who are wise and good.

This advice isn’t just old sayings; it’s solid wisdom from the Bible. Surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. Those who follow God know this is true—they look for buddies who love what’s right instead of those who could bring them down.

Psalm 119:63

"I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts."

I join with those who fear you, who know your laws. Psalm 119:63 tells us to pick friends that love God like we do. These pals follow His rules and show Him respect. They guide us closer to what is good and keep us away from wrong paths.

Our circle should include people committed to serving the Lord because they help us live better lives.

Choosing friends wisely leads to a strong support system. Such friendships are built on shared values, pushing each other towards greatness in faith and life. We grow wiser when we walk with those who understand the importance of fearing God; this brings blessings into our lives.

Friends Who Encourage

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Encourage and build each other up, as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us. This scripture quote teaches us to use our words for good. We’re called to offer comfort and hope, helping friends feel strong.

It’s about creating a circle of support where everyone feels included.

This verse is a powerful part of the Bible’s message on friendship. Our Lord asks us to be sources of positivity in each other’s lives. Living by this guidance creates bonds that mirror Christ’s love and inspire daily connections filled with mutual encouragement.

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Let’s think about how to motivate one another to show love and do good deeds. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us it’s crucial not to miss our meetings with friends who believe, as some people do.

These verses guide us like a map, showing the route toward building each other up in faith and companionship. They remind Christians that gathering together is more than just a nice thing—it’s essential.

Keeping friendships strong within the church community helps everyone grow closer to God and live out their faith.

Meeting regularly keeps our bonds with fellow believers tight and gives us chances to encourage each other in tough times. Just as iron sharpens iron, these connections make us stronger too.

Believers rely on friendships formed through shared beliefs; they are spaces where we can express love, seek advice, find comfort during hard times, and celebrate joyous moments together without fear of being judged or misunderstood.

These verses from Hebrews highlight how friendship plays a critical role in living life connected to others who follow Christ.

Job 2:11

"When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him."

Job 2:11 shows how true friends act in tough times. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar heard about Job’s troubles and came to him. They traveled from far places to comfort their friend. This teaches us the power of showing up for people we care about.

Their arrival brought a strong message: friends stick together when life gets hard. These three men sat with Job in silence, sharing his pain without words. It’s an example of how sometimes just being there is the best support we can offer to someone hurting.

Warnings About Bad Companionship

1 Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’"

Be careful with your friends. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33 that bad company can ruin good morals. This means you should pick friends who help you do right, not wrong. Choosing the right buddies matters a lot for staying on a good path.

Your pals influence what you think and do. If they don’t believe in Jesus or follow His teachings, they might lead you away from God’s truth. Stick with those who love the Lord and live by His word.

They’ll keep your faith strong and point you toward eternal life.

Proverbs 16:28

"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."

A dishonest person uses lies to stir up trouble. Their words are like whispers in the dark, breaking bonds that once seemed unbreakable. Trust and friendship crumble when gossip spreads; it’s a poison that divides the best of friends.

We must steer clear of those who sow discord with their tongues—they bring only harm and separation.

Loyalty, honesty, and sincerity are pillars of strong friendships. Proverbs 16:28 teaches us about the dangers lurking behind false words. Keeping close to people who value truth will shield our relationships from collapse.

The company we keep can either uphold or wreck the trust we cherish—choose wisely, avoid strife-makers, and hold fast to those who share your commitment to integrity.

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

2 Corinthians 6:14 warns us to be careful with our close friendships. It tells us not to team up with those who don’t believe as we do. Why? Because true friendship and faith go hand in hand.

Your values should match your friends’ values. This way, you can grow together rather than be pulled apart by different beliefs.

Think of it like mixing oil and water—they just don’t blend well. Righteousness and wickedness are opposites, too. So, stick close to people who help keep your life full of light and truth.

Friends should shine together in faith, not struggle because they’re mismatched in what they hold dear.

Jesus on Friendship

John 15:13-15

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

John 15:13-15 shows us the deepest form of love in friendship. It tells us that a true friend might lay down their life for another. This level of sacrifice sets the standard for how we should treat our friends – with selflessness and bravery.

Picture this: your friend is not just someone you hang out with but someone you’d do anything for.

In these verses, Christ calls his followers friends, not servants. He reveals to them what he has learned from God the Father. Imagine being so close to Jesus that he shares everything with you! That’s friendship at its finest: full of trust, sharing secrets, and standing by each other no matter what comes your way.

Luke 6:31

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Jesus taught us in Luke 6:31 the Golden Rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This powerful idea shapes how we should act toward friends. It says to treat people with the kindness and respect we want for ourselves.

True friendship is built on this love and care. Imagine a world where everyone follows this rule; friendships would be strong and full of joy.

Living out Luke 6:31 means thinking about our actions. Before we say or do something, we ask if that’s what we’d like done to us. In friendships, this creates trust and understanding.

We show love just like Jesus did, making our relationships shine with His teachings at their core. Following the Golden Rule helps us make good choices in who we spend time with too – picking friends who also live by love’s true righteousness.

Matthew 7:12

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:12 tells us to do to others what we would want them to do to us. It’s the Golden Rule, one of Jesus’ key teachings about friendship. We call it golden because it shines bright in our hearts when we live by it.

This verse guides us like a compass, leading us towards love and respect for everyone.

Treating friends with kindness makes strong bonds that last—we feel good when we make others feel good! The Golden Rule is not just in the Bible; people all around the world believe in this truth.

It’s simple but powerful: show empathy and care, just as you’d like others to do for you.

Biblical Examples of Friendship

1 Samuel 18:3

"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself."

David and Jonathan’s friendship was special. They made a promise like family members would. This happened in 1 Samuel 18:3, where they showed their deep trust and commitment to each other.

Their bond was so strong that Jonathan saw David as his own soul.

This pact meant they were loyal friends, no matter what came their way. It wasn’t just words; it was a serious agreement. They chose to stick together through thick and thin, setting an example of what true friendship looks like.

Acts 15:39

"They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,"

Acts 15:39 shows us that even strong friends can have big fights. Paul and Barnabas, two great leaders, hit a rough patch over John Mark. Their argument got so heated they split up.

Barnabas believed in giving Mark another chance and sailed to Cyprus with him. Though it was tough, this disagreement didn’t end God’s work. Instead, Mark flourished under Barnabas’s guidance, proving disagreements among friends can lead to growth and good outcomes if we handle them with faithfulness and love.

2 Kings 2:2

"Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel."

Elisha showed true loyalty by not leaving Elijah’s side as they traveled to Bethel. Their bond was strong, and Elisha’s commitment teaches us about sticking with friends through thick and thin.

He refused to let Elijah go on alone, even when asked three times—his dedication spoke volumes.

This story captured in 2 Kings 2:2 sets a powerful example of friendship that goes beyond ordinary connections. It shows us that holy friendships can lift us up and draw us closer to God.

Like Elisha, we should cherish our friends and stay loyal, for such relationships are precious in the eyes of the Lord.

Conclusion

The Bible shares deep truths about friendship. It shows us how to choose friends and be good ones ourselves. Friends shape our lives, so we must pick them wisely. Remember, strong friendships reflect God’s love and wisdom in our daily walk.

Choose friends who will stand by you, just as the scriptures say.

FAQs

1. What are some Bible verses about friendship?

Bible verses about friendship teach us the value of love and loyalty. Examples include Proverbs, where open rebuke is praised over hidden love, and John 15:12-13 which talks about the greater love in laying down one’s life for friends.

2. Who were Ruth and Naomi in the Bible?

Ruth and Naomi were family through marriage, but their deep bond made them true friends even after experiencing loss. Their story shows a beautiful example of steadfast love and faithfulness mentioned in the Book of Ruth.

3. Can friendship be found in scripture quotes on forgiveness?

Yes! The Bible often links friendship with forgiveness as key virtues; for instance, passages like Ephesians 4:32 encourage believers to forgive one another just as Christ forgave us, underscoring brotherly affection.

4. How does fear of God relate to biblical friendships?

The Bible suggests that spiritual friendships should honor respect for God’s ways – this ‘fear of the Almighty’ serves as a foundation for moral support and earnest counsel among friends reflected in scripture quotes.

5. Is there advice on being a good friend according to Bible verses?

Absolutely! We’re instructed to bear one another’s burdens, exemplifying Christ Jesus’ teaching on empathetic companionship — this means sharing joys just like David did with Jonathan, son of Jesse.

6. Does Jesus say anything about friendship in John 3:16 or elsewhere?

Jesus speaks widely on relationships; while John 3:16 emphasizes His sacrificial love for humanity rather than direct teachings on personal friendships, other texts like those from Luke point out traits such as trustworthiness important among friends.