Bible Verses About Friendship

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

"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."

"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."

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

"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."

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

"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."

"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends."

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

What does the Bible say about friendship?

Scripture teaches that true friends love at all times (Proverbs 17:17), sharpen each other's character (Proverbs 27:17), and are willing to sacrifice for one another (John 15:13). The Bible also warns against friendships with the unwise (Proverbs 13:20).

Who are examples of friends in the Bible?

David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Jesus and His disciples (John 15:15), and Paul and Timothy (Philippians 2:22) are all examples of deep, faithful friendships in Scripture.

What makes a bad friend according to the Bible?

Proverbs 13:20 warns that 'a companion of fools shall be destroyed.' Bad friends include those who are constantly angry (Proverbs 22:24), gossip (Proverbs 16:28), or lead you away from God (1 Corinthians 15:33). The Bible urges discernment in choosing companions.

Can you be friends with non-believers?

Yes. Jesus was called 'a friend of publicans and sinners' (Matthew 11:19). However, 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against being 'unequally yoked' in deep partnerships. Friendships with non-believers can be genuine and loving while maintaining your convictions and being a positive influence.