What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on friendship
The Bible addresses friendship as a precious and valuable relationship that is characterized by love, loyalty, and mutual support. Proverbs offers wisdom on choosing friends wisely, emphasizing the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who uplift and encourage us. The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of the strength found in companionship, stating that two are better than one because they can help each other and provide support in times of need. Jesus himself exemplified the ultimate form of friendship by laying down his life for his friends, showing us the sacrificial nature of true friendship.
Bible Verses About Friendship
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
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.”
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Samuel 18:1
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”