Friendship is a gift from God, a relationship that reflects His love, kindness, and support in our lives. The Bible offers plenty of wisdom about what true friendship looks like and how we can cultivate lasting, meaningful relationships.
See also: 30 Uplifting prayers for your amazing friends
Bible Verses About Friendship
Here are 20 Bible verses that highlight the beauty of friendship.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
True friends are there for us through thick and thin, always showing love and support.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus reminds us of the ultimate example of love: sacrificing for the sake of our friends.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
Friends are there to help each other through tough times and lift each other up.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Good friendships encourage growth and improvement in each other.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
It’s not about how many friends you have, but the quality of those friendships.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Friends encourage and support one another, helping to strengthen faith and character.
Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
A true friend’s advice and presence can bring great joy and comfort.
Job 42:10
“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends.”
Praying for your friends is a powerful way to show love and support.
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Friends should aim to honor and love each other deeply.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
Be mindful of the kind of friends you choose, as they can greatly influence your life.
See also: 24 powerful prayers for healing for a friend
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
Surrounding yourself with the right friends can help keep you on the right path.
James 4:4
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”
Our closest friendships should reflect God’s values and not the values of the world.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
A true friend will tell you the truth, even when it’s hard, because they care about your well-being.
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Good friends look out for each other and are willing to make sacrifices for one another.
Colossians 3:12-14
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Friendship thrives when we practice kindness, patience, and love.
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Choose friends who help you grow in wisdom and character.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
Treat your friends with the same kindness, respect, and love that you hope to receive.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
True friends love each other despite their flaws, offering grace and forgiveness.
Proverbs 16:28
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
Honesty is key to maintaining strong and trusting friendships.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
True friends are willing to help carry each other’s struggles and hardships.
Final thoughts
Friendship is a beautiful gift that God has designed for us to experience deep connection and support. These Bible verses remind us of the qualities that make strong friendships and how we can be the kind of friend who reflects God’s love. Let’s strive to build relationships that are based on love, trust, and encouragement, just as the Bible teaches.