Importance of friendship according to the Bible
Friendship, according to biblical teachings, is more than a casual acquaintance; it is a sacred bond that enriches our lives and reflects the divine. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This verse tells us about the enduring nature of true friendship, highlighting its role in times of both joy and hardship.
Moreover, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the importance of companionship, stating, “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.” These verses underscore the inherent value of friendship in providing support, encouragement, and companionship along life’s journey.
How friendship is portrayed in the scripture
Throughout the Bible, friendship is portrayed as a source of strength, solace, and joy. From the deep bond between David and Jonathan to the camaraderie between Jesus and His disciples, scripture offers a wealth of examples that illustrate the power and depth of true friendship.
The story of Ruth and Naomi exemplifies loyalty and devotion, as Ruth declared, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). These narratives serve as timeless reminders of the beauty and significance of friendship as depicted in the scripture.
Friendship as a gift from God
Friendship is not merely a human construct; it is a gift from God, bestowed upon us to enrich our lives and deepen our connections with others. James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
In this light, friendship is seen as a divine blessing, a reflection of God’s love and grace in our lives. As we cherish and nurture the friendships we are given, we honor the gift that God has bestowed upon us, fostering bonds that are built on mutual respect, trust, and love.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled 36 uplifting Bible verses about friendship, offering timeless wisdom to strengthen your bonds.
The scriptures used in this blog post are from the New International Version Bible
Qualities to be a true friend
Loyalty: Sticking closer than a Brother
Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Trustworthiness: A Reliable Companion
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Encouragement: Lifting each other up
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
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.
Unity in friendship
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation in friendship
Luke 17:3-4
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Support and comfort in times of need
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Choosing friends wisely
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Being a good friend
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Proverbs 27:5-6
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
1 Peter 4:8-9
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling
1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
John 15:12
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Examples of God in friendship
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
Exodus 33:11
The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
SOAP Bible Study Journal for Women
A Prayer for a friend
Heavenly Father,
I come before you today with a heart filled with gratitude for the gift of friendship. You have blessed me with a companion who walks beside me in both joy and sorrow, offering love, support, and understanding along the way.
Lord, I ask for your continued guidance and protection over her life. May you surround her with your peace, comfort, and strength, guiding her steps and illuminating her path with your light.
Grant her wisdom in times of decision-making, courage in times of uncertainty, and joy in times of celebration. Also, help me to be her faithful friend, offering kindness, compassion, and encouragement in return for the unwavering support she has shown me.
Lord, bless my friend abundantly, both in her personal and professional endeavors. May she experience your love in profound ways and may her life be a testament to your goodness and grace.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen
