Friendship is one of the most valuable gifts God has given to humanity. True friends offer support, encouragement, love, and accountability. In the Bible, friendship is portrayed as a significant relationship that reflects God’s love and faithfulness. Jesus Himself called His disciples friends (John 15:15), highlighting the importance of deep, meaningful relationships in our spiritual journey.
The Bible provides numerous verses about friendship—both its blessings and its challenges. These scriptures teach us how to cultivate godly friendships, avoid toxic relationships, and be the kind of friend that honors God. Whether you are seeking to build stronger friendships or looking for biblical guidance on relationships, these 25 scriptures will help you understand the role of friendship in a believer’s life.
Old Testament Scriptures on Friendship
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
This verse highlights the true nature of friendship. A real friend remains loyal through all seasons of life, not just when things are going well.
2. Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Just as fragrances bring joy, a sincere friend brings delight through wise and heartfelt advice.
3. Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse warns that our friendships influence our character. Walking with wise, godly friends leads to growth, while keeping company with unwise people can lead to downfall.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
True friends support each other, providing strength and encouragement during difficult times.
5. Job 42:10
“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
Job’s story shows the power of interceding for friends, even when they have wronged us. Praying for others is a sign of true friendship.
6. 1 Samuel 18:1-3
“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”
The deep friendship between David and Jonathan exemplifies godly companionship and loyalty.
7. Exodus 33:11
“Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
This verse reminds us that friendship with God is the ultimate relationship. Our connection with Him should be intimate and personal.
8. Zechariah 13:6
“And if one asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your back?’ he will say, ‘The wounds I received in the house of my friends.’”
This passage acknowledges that even friends can hurt us, a reality that points us to the importance of forgiveness and discernment in friendships.
New Testament Scriptures on Friendship
9. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate form of friendship by sacrificing Himself for us. True friendship involves selflessness and sacrificial love.
10. John 15:15
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”
Jesus elevates His relationship with believers, calling them friends. This shows that friendship is based on love, trust, and mutual understanding.
11. Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Friendship should be marked by love, kindness, and a desire to honor one another.
12. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
This verse warns us to be discerning about whom we choose as close friends because negative influences can corrupt our character.
13. Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
True friends help carry each other’s burdens, demonstrating Christlike love.
14. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Friendship requires humility and a willingness to prioritize others.
15. Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Friendships thrive when we practice forgiveness and grace, just as Christ has forgiven us.
16. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Friendship should be uplifting, with both parties encouraging each other in their faith and daily lives.
17. 2 Timothy 1:16
“May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”
Paul’s friendship with Onesiphorus highlights the importance of standing by friends even in difficult times.
18. Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
True friendship inspires growth in faith and good works.
19. James 4:4
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
This verse warns against forming friendships that pull us away from God.
20. 1 Peter 4:8-10
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Friendship is an opportunity to show God’s love through service and hospitality.
Friendship With God
21. Psalm 25:14
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
A relationship with God is the foundation of all other friendships.
22. Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse refers to the faithfulness of true friends and ultimately points to Jesus as the most faithful friend.
23. Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”
Jesus befriended sinners, demonstrating His grace and love for all.
24. Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
The Golden Rule should guide our friendships.
25. 1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
True friendship is rooted in God’s love.
Conclusion
Biblical friendship is built on love, trust, and faithfulness. By applying these scriptures, we can cultivate godly friendships that honor Christ and reflect His love to others.
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