16 Bible Verses About Friendship

Christian friendships are one of the greatest blessings of God. In his book, Mastering Personal Growth, Donald W. McCullough wrote:

"When we consider the blessings of God — the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering —  friendship is very near the top."

This uplifting collection of Bible verses about friendship considers the value and celebrates the blessings of God in the gift of true friends.

True and Lasting Friendship Can Occur Suddenly

A person of integrity is easy to recognize. Instantly, we want to spend time with them and enjoy their company.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ( 1 Samuel 18:1-3, NLT)

Godly Friends Give Good Advice

The soundest advice comes from the Bible; therefore, friends who remind us of helpful Scriptures are wise counselors. They keep us on the right path.

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. (Proverbs 12:26, NLT)

Gossip Separates Best Friends

Protect your friend’s reputation as you would a brother’s or sister’s. Gossip has no place in true friendship.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28, NLT)

Loyal Friends Love Through Difficult Times

As we are loyal to our friends during hard times, they will be loyal to us. Stand by your friends and build them up.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

Faithful Friends Are a Rare Treasure

One of the most loving acts in life is sticking by a friend no matter what. Our godliness is measured by how true we are to our friends.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

Reliable Friends Are Hard to Find

Talk is cheap. We may not always approve of our friends’ actions, but we can always be an encourager in the ways of God.

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? (Proverbs 20:6, NLT)

Purity and Integrity Gain the Friendship of Kings

Deception earns contempt, but humble integrity is respected by everyone. Resist temptation. Be a person of honor instead.

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend. (Proverbs 22:11, NLT)

The Wrong Friends Can Have a Negative Influence

If you hang out with angry people, you’ll find their attitude is contagious. Instead, be mature and work calmly to solve problems.

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)

Sincere Friends Speak the Truth in Love, Even When it Hurts

Tactful correction is one of the most difficult parts of friendship. Find fault with the behavior, not the person.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NLT)

Counsel From a Friend Is Pleasing

The more we care about a friend, the more we will want to build them up. Sincere praise is a treasured gift.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

Friends Shape and Sharpen One Another

We all need the objective help of a friend to become better people.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

True Friends Strengthen and Help Each Other

When competition is removed from friendship, then real growth begins. A true friend is a valuable ally.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)

Friendship Is Marked by Sacrifice

A strong friendship is never easy. It takes work. If you are happy to sacrifice for another, then you’ll know you are a real friend.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (John 15:13-15, NLT)

Believers Enjoy Friendship with God

Being a friend of God is the greatest gift on earth. To know you are deeply loved by the Lord of All Creation brings genuine joy.

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (Romans 5:10, NLT)

Examples of Friendships in the Bible

• David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-3, 20:17, 42; 2 Samuel 1:26)
• King David and Abiathar (1 Samuel 22:23)
• David and Nahash (2 Samuel 10:2)
• David and Hushai (2 Samuel 15:32–37)
• Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:2)
• Job's Friends (Job 2:11)
• Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)
• Paul’s Ministry Friends (Romans 16:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:12-13; Philippians 2:25; Colossians 4:7, 14; 2 Timothy 1:2-4; 1 Philemon