What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
What Does the Bible Say About Friendship? The Bible values deep, loyal friendship — exemplified by David and Jonathan — and teaches that true friends love at all times, sharpen each other, and speak truth.
Key verse: Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
The Bible values deep, loyal friendship — exemplified by David and Jonathan — and teaches that true friends love at all times, sharpen each other, and speak truth.
The Bible values deep, loyal friendship — exemplified by David and Jonathan — and teaches that true friends love at all times, sharpen each other, and speak truth.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible has much to say about the nature of true friendship. Proverbs 17:17 declares, 'A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.' The friendship between David and Jonathan is one of Scripture's most beautiful relationships — their souls were knit together, and Jonathan sacrificed his own claim to the throne out of love for David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Proverbs emphasizes the value of honest, growth-producing friendships: 'Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend' (Proverbs 27:17) and 'Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful' (Proverbs 27:6). Jesus modeled the ultimate friendship, telling His disciples, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). He called His disciples friends rather than servants. The Bible also warns about harmful friendships: 'Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners' (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
What the Bible teaches about true friendship, loyalty, and choosing friends wisely.
Key Scripture References
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
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What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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