Friendship, a profound bond that enriches life, is a theme woven throughout the Bible. In this exploration of 30 Bible verses about friendship, each accompanied by a commentary, we embark on a journey through the Scriptures to uncover the divine wisdom and insights on the value and nature of true friendship.
As we delve into these verses, may the timeless principles found in the Word of God guide and inspire a deeper understanding of the qualities, joys, and challenges inherent in genuine friendships.
Bible verses about friendship
Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV):
“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 encapsulates the essence of true friendship—unwavering love and support. This verse suggests that genuine friends stand by each other in both joyous and challenging times, reflecting the depth of a bond that withstands the tests of life.
Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV):
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Proverbs 27:6 unveils the authenticity of a true friend. This verse suggests that genuine friendship involves honesty and constructive criticism, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. It contrasts the sincerity of a friend’s corrections with the deceptive sweetness of an enemy’s flattery.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV):
“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 underscores the strength of companionship. This passage highlights the mutual support and encouragement that true friends provide. It emphasizes the significance of having someone to share life’s journey, offering a helping hand in times of need.
Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV):
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24 explores the dynamics of friendship. This verse suggests that friendliness begets friendship and introduces the concept of an exceptionally close friend—a bond so profound that it rivals the closeness of a sibling.
John 15:13 (NKJV):
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
John 15:13 delves into the sacrificial nature of true friendship. This verse, spoken by Jesus, portrays the ultimate expression of love—willingness to lay down one’s life for friends. It sets a profound standard for the depth of commitment and selflessness in genuine friendships.
Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV):
“Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.”
Proverbs 27:9 likens the counsel of a true friend to the delight of ointment and perfume. This verse suggests that the wise and sincere advice of a friend brings joy to the heart, illustrating the value of genuine companionship in providing thoughtful guidance.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV):
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'”
1 Corinthians 15:33 issues a caution about the impact of company on character. This verse underscores the importance of choosing friends wisely, as their influence can shape habits and values. It emphasizes the need for positive and virtuous companionship in fostering personal growth.
Proverbs 22:24-25 (NKJV):
“Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 provides guidance on avoiding harmful friendships. This passage warns against forming connections with individuals prone to anger, emphasizing the potential negative influence on one’s behavior and spiritual well-being.
James 4:4 (NKJV):
“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
James 4:4 addresses the spiritual implications of worldly friendships. This verse highlights the tension between aligning with the values of the world and maintaining a friendship with God. It underscores the need for believers to prioritize a relationship with God over worldly associations.
Job 6:14 (NKJV):
“To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Job 6:14 explores the compassion of true friendship in times of affliction. This verse suggests that genuine friends extend kindness to those in distress, irrespective of their spiritual condition. It portrays a friendship that transcends circumstances and maintains a compassionate spirit.
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV):
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
Proverbs 13:20 underscores the impact of companionship on wisdom. This verse emphasizes the transformative influence of walking with wise individuals, contrasting it with the destructive consequences of aligning with foolish companions.
Romans 12:10 (NKJV):
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
Romans 12:10 encourages affectionate and honorable relationships. This verse highlights the qualities of genuine friendship—kindness, brotherly love, and a willingness to prioritize and honor one another. It sets a standard for selfless and respectful interactions among friends.
1 Samuel 18:1 (NKJV):
“Now when 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.”
1 Samuel 18:1 introduces the profound friendship between Jonathan and David. This verse depicts the deep connection and love between these two individuals, illustrating the beauty of a friendship that goes beyond surface-level associations.
Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV):
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 employs the metaphor of iron sharpening iron to describe the impact of true friends on each other. This verse suggests that genuine friendships contribute to mutual growth and refinement, emphasizing the positive influence friends can have on one another.
Bible verses about friendship
John 15:15 (NKJV):
“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
John 15:15 reveals Jesus’ elevation of His disciples to the status of friends. This verse unveils the intimacy and transparency in true friendship, as Jesus shares the Father’s revelations with His disciples. It sets a model for open communication and trust within genuine friendships.
Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV):
“A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.”
Proverbs 16:28 warns against the destructive actions of those who sow strife and spread gossip. This verse emphasizes the potential harm caused by individuals who undermine the unity and trust within friendships, highlighting the importance of guarding against such behaviors.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV):
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Colossians 3:12-14 outlines the virtues that enhance meaningful relationships. This passage encourages believers to cultivate qualities such as tender mercies, kindness, humility, and forgiveness within their friendships. It underscores the central role of love as the binding force that perfects relationships.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV):
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 emphasizes the role of comfort and edification in friendships. This verse encourages believers to actively support and uplift one another, recognizing the importance of mutual encouragement within the community of faith.
Proverbs 27:10 (NKJV):
“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”
Proverbs 27:10 underscores the value of loyal friends during times of calamity. This verse suggests that the support of a true friend, even if not a blood relative, surpasses the comfort of a distant brother. It highlights the proximity and reliability of genuine friendships.
Galatians 6:2 (NKJV):
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 introduces the concept of bearing one another’s burdens. This verse encourages believers to actively share in the challenges and struggles of their friends, embodying the law of Christ, which is characterized by sacrificial love and mutual support.
Proverbs 14:20 (NKJV):
“The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends.”
Proverbs 14:20 reflects on the dynamics of friendship in relation to wealth. This verse warns against the superficiality of friendships based solely on material prosperity, emphasizing the fickleness of associations formed for personal gain.
Proverbs 25:17 (NKJV):
“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.”
Proverbs 25:17 provides practical wisdom on respecting boundaries in friendships. This verse suggests that excessive intrusion into a neighbor’s life may lead to strained relationships. It underscores the importance of balance and sensitivity in maintaining healthy friendships.
Proverbs 27:5-6 (NKJV):
“Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Proverbs 27:5-6 reiterates the value of honest and open communication in true friendships. This passage emphasizes that sincere rebuke and constructive criticism, though challenging, are more valuable than concealed or deceitful expressions of love. It underscores the trustworthiness of a friend who cares enough to provide genuine feedback.
Proverbs 19:6 (NKJV):
“Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.”
Proverbs 19:6 reflects on the motives behind friendships. This verse warns against relationships formed solely for personal gain or the expectation of favors. It cautions against the superficiality of associations built on material exchange, highlighting the importance of genuine intentions in true friendships.
Proverbs 27:3 (NKJV):
“A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.”
Proverbs 27:3 uses imagery to convey the weightiness of a fool’s wrath. This verse suggests that navigating the anger of a foolish person can be more burdensome than dealing with physical heaviness. It underscores the challenges posed by negative qualities in friendships and encourages discernment in choosing companions.
Proverbs 17:9 (NKJV):
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.”
Proverbs 17:9 explores the impact of handling transgressions in friendships. This verse suggests that love is demonstrated through the covering of offenses, contrasting it with the divisive effect of repeating matters. It underscores the importance of forgiveness and discretion in maintaining strong and lasting friendships.
James 2:23 (NKJV):
“And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.”
James 2:23 commemorates Abraham as the friend of God. This verse reflects on the profound relationship between Abraham and the Almighty, highlighting the concept of friendship with God based on faith and righteousness. It sets an aspirational example of a friendship characterized by trust and obedience.
Proverbs 27:16 (NKJV):
“Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.”
Proverbs 27:16 employs vivid imagery to convey the difficulty of restraining a contentious woman. This verse serves as a cautionary observation, illustrating the challenges that certain individuals may bring to friendships. It encourages discernment and wisdom in navigating relationships.
Luke 6:31 (NKJV):
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
Luke 6:31 introduces the golden rule as a principle for friendships. This verse encourages reciprocity and fairness, suggesting that the way one treats others should align with the treatment one desires. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and consideration in fostering healthy relationships.
Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV):
“As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.”
Proverbs 27:19 draws a parallel between water reflecting a face and a person’s heart revealing their character. This verse suggests that true friendships are built on genuine and transparent hearts. It underscores the significance of authenticity and sincerity in cultivating meaningful connections with others.
Conclusion: Bible verses about friendship
In the tapestry of the Bible, the threads of friendship weave a rich narrative of love, loyalty, honesty, and mutual support. The Scriptures provide timeless wisdom on the qualities of true friendship, caution against detrimental associations, and highlight the profound friendship between individuals and the divine.
As we reflect on these 30 Bible verses about friendship and their commentaries, may the insights gleaned guide us in cultivating and cherishing relationships that honor God and enrich our lives with the beauty of authentic friendship.
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