Friendship is a theme deeply embedded in the Bible, with numerous verses highlighting the importance of building strong, loving relationships with others. True friendship, according to Scripture, is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and care, reflecting the love that God has for us. As Christians, we are encouraged to follow the example of Jesus, who showed us the ultimate expression of friendship through His sacrificial love. The Bible offers us timeless wisdom on how to be true friends, how to choose friends wisely, and how to cultivate friendships that honor God.
In this article, we will explore 44 powerful scriptures on friendship from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. These verses will help guide us in our relationships with others, offering both instruction and encouragement on what it means to be a true friend.
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
True friends remain loyal and loving, regardless of the circumstances. This verse reminds us that a real friend will stick by you in both the good times and the bad.
2. Proverbs 18:24
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
Friendship requires effort. If we want to have friends, we must be friendly and welcoming. Sometimes, our closest friends are those who are even more dependable than family.
3. John 15:13
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus Himself taught us the ultimate example of friendship. The greatest form of love in a friendship is sacrificial love—putting the needs of others before our own.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”
In friendship, we are not only companions, but also supporters. We are to lift each other up in times of need, helping one another navigate life’s challenges.
5. Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
A true friend makes us better. Just as iron sharpens iron, good friends help us grow, improve, and become more Christ-like through encouragement and accountability.
6. 1 Samuel 18:1
“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”
The friendship between David and Jonathan is one of the Bible’s most beautiful examples. Their bond was deep and rooted in mutual love, trust, and respect.
7. Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
A true friend is willing to speak hard truths for our benefit. While it might hurt in the moment, their words come from a place of love and care.
8. Luke 6:31
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
The Golden Rule applies to friendship as well. We should treat our friends with the same kindness, respect, and love that we would want in return.
9. Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
True friends put each other first, valuing the needs of their friends above their own desires. This attitude strengthens and nurtures deep friendships.
10. Proverbs 27:9
“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”
A good friend provides advice and counsel that is as pleasant as sweet perfume. True friendship enriches our lives with wisdom and guidance.
11. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
While the Bible encourages us to be friendly, it also warns us to be careful about the influence our friends have on us. Bad company can lead us astray, so it’s important to choose friends who reflect godly values.
12. Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
The company we keep can shape our character. If we want to grow in wisdom, we should surround ourselves with friends who seek to follow God’s ways.
13. John 15:14
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
Jesus calls those who obey His commands His friends. True friendship with Christ is based on following His teachings and living in alignment with His will.
14. Philippians 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Friendship is grounded in humility and selflessness. True friends prioritize the well-being of one another and seek to serve each other rather than seeking personal gain.
15. Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
A good friend helps carry the burdens of others. When we share each other’s struggles, we fulfill the commandment of Christ to love one another.
16. Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”
This verse reminds us to be cautious in our friendships, warning us against associating with individuals who have a bad temper. They can negatively influence us and lead us into sin.
17. Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness is a key aspect of maintaining good friendships. We must be willing to forgive and move forward in love, just as Christ has forgiven us.
18. Proverbs 20:6
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”
Faithfulness is a hallmark of true friendship. A good friend is reliable and consistent, standing by you through thick and thin.
19. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Friendship in Christ is special because it brings God’s presence into our relationships. When we gather in His name, He promises to be with us.
20. 1 John 3:16
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
This verse speaks to the sacrificial nature of true friendship. Just as Christ laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others.
21. Job 6:14
“To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.”
A true friend shows compassion and empathy, particularly during times of hardship. They offer support and understanding in moments of suffering.
22. Proverbs 18:24
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
Sometimes our closest friends are those who are closer to us than family. Friendship is about the depth of connection, not just proximity.
23. Romans 1:12
“That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
Paul expresses the joy and comfort found in mutual friendship with fellow believers. Shared faith strengthens the bonds of friendship and brings encouragement.
24. 2 Samuel 9:7
“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”
David’s kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, is a beautiful example of loyalty in friendship. Even after Jonathan’s death, David continued to honor his friend by caring for his family.
25. Proverbs 25:17
“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”
This verse encourages balance in friendship. While we are called to be loving and present, we should avoid overstaying our welcome or becoming a burden to our friends.
26. Matthew 11:19
“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.”
Jesus was known for His friendships with those who were rejected by society, showing us that true friendship reaches out to the marginalized and the lost.
27. Proverbs 19:4
“Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”
This verse acknowledges how wealth can attract many people, but true friends will be there for you regardless of your financial status.
28. Luke 7:34
“The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!”
Again, Jesus’ willingness to spend time with sinners reflects a friendship that transcends societal boundaries. True friends care for others, even those who are rejected or looked down upon.
29. Proverbs 11:14
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Having wise, godly friends around us helps us make better decisions. Counsel from friends who fear the Lord leads to safety and success in life.
30. Genesis 18:17-19
“And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
This passage highlights the intimate friendship Abraham had with God. God trusted Abraham with knowledge of His plans, just as close friends share their hearts with each other.
31. Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
In friendship, we help each other by offering wise advice. A good friend provides counsel that leads to success and fulfillment.
32. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Encouraging and edifying one another is a central part of friendship. We build each other up, offering support and strength when needed.
33. Matthew 26:50
“And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.”
Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus addressed Judas as a friend, showing that love and grace can be extended even in difficult situations.
34. Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing friends who lead us toward righteousness rather than those who encourage us to follow wicked paths.
35. 2 Samuel 1:26
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.”
David’s lament over Jonathan expresses the deep emotional bond that existed between true friends. Their friendship was unparalleled, demonstrating the depth of affection and loyalty true friends should have.
36. Proverbs 14:20
“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
Friendship can be influenced by our circumstances, but the best friendships transcend material wealth. A true friend loves without regard to wealth or status.
37. James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”
Abraham is called the “Friend of God” because of his faith and obedience. His example shows that deep friendship with God comes through trust and faithfulness.
38. Romans 16:13
“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.”
Paul expresses his deep affection for his fellow believers, recognizing the bonds of friendship that exist within the body of Christ.
39. 2 Timothy 4:10
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.”
Demas’ departure from Paul serves as a reminder that not all friendships last. True friends are those who remain steadfast in their love for Christ and each other.
40. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
A good friend knows how to respond in ways that de-escalate conflict. Wise words from a friend can bring peace to a tense situation.
41. 2 Chronicles 20:7
“Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend forever?”
God is known as the friend of Israel, highlighting His faithful and lasting relationship with His people.
42. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
True friends share in each other’s joy and sorrow. We are called to walk through life together, supporting one another in both happy and difficult times.
43. Proverbs 27:10
“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”
This verse emphasizes the value of close friendships. Even in times of distress, a good friend will be there to provide support when family may not be available.
44. Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
The ultimate friendship is shown through Christ’s love for us. He laid down His life for His friends, demonstrating sacrificial love beyond any earthly friendship.
Conclusion
These 44 scriptures on friendship from the King James Version of the Bible provide rich insights into what it means to be a true friend. They encourage us to build relationships based on love, loyalty, and mutual respect, reflecting the sacrificial love that Jesus showed to us. By following the example set by Christ and applying these principles, we can foster friendships that honor God and strengthen our walk of faith.
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