The Bible has a lot to say about friendship. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss friends and friendship.
Proverbs on Friends
The book of Proverbs contains many insightful verses about friends and friendship. Here are some key examples:
- “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). This emphasizes the loyalty and commitment true friends show even in hard times.
- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). Friends sometimes wound us with hard truths in love, whereas enemies pretend to care with empty words.
- “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Friends sharpen each other’s character and help each other grow in godliness.
- “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9). A friend’s wise counsel is refreshing and brings joy.
Overall, Proverbs highlights the value of faithful, honest friends who sharpen our walk with God and provide wise counsel.
Ecclesiastes on Companionship
Ecclesiastes emphasizes the value of friendship and companionship:
- “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Having a friend provides support and aid.
- “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). There is strength in numbers; companionship makes us more resilient.
The book highlights the practical and emotional benefits of having companions on life’s journey.
Jesus on Friendship
Jesus valued friendship and showed how to be a faithful friend:
- He had close friendships, like with Lazarus, Mary and Martha (John 11:5).
- He called His disciples friends instead of servants, sharing teachings with them (John 15:15).
- He warned against false friends who lead others into sin (Matthew 24:49).
- He showed that laying down your life for friends is the ultimate act of love (John 15:13).
Jesus exemplified loyalty, sacrifice, honesty and intimacy in His friendships.
Paul on Christian Fellowship
Several of Paul’s letters mention friendship between believers:
- Rom 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
- Rom 16:1-16 – Paul greets many dear friends by name.
- 1 Cor 15:33 – Do not be misled: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Choose friends wisely.
- 2 Cor 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, implying the value of Christian friends.
- Gal 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Help carry friends’ loads.
Paul emphasizes the importance of Christ-centered friendships within the church family.
David and Jonathan’s Friendship
One of the most famous friendships in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel. Key aspects include:
- Jonathan loved David as himself and made a covenant of friendship with him (1 Sam 18:1-4).
- Jonathan helped protect David, even though David was a threat to Jonathan’s own position (1 Sam 19:1-7).
- Jonathan and David made vows of lifetime loyalty to each other (1 Sam 20:12-17).
- After Jonathan died, David eulogized him with an ode to their remarkable friendship (2 Sam 1:17-27).
Their friendship was characterized by sacrifice, loyalty and deep love that went beyond personal interest.
Ruth and Naomi’s Friendship
Another famous biblical friendship is that between Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth:
- Ruth pledged undying loyalty to Naomi even after her husband’s death (Ruth 1:16-17).
- Ruth left her homeland and family to stay and support Naomi in Israel (Ruth 1:1-22).
- Ruth diligently worked to provide for Naomi (Ruth 2:2,17).
- Ruth married Boaz to carry on the family name for Naomi’s sake (Ruth 4:9-10).
Their friendship transcended national and generational divides and displayed sacrifice and lifelong devotion.
Job and His Friends
The book of Job provides both positive and negative examples of friendship:
- Initially Job’s friends came to comfort him in his suffering (Job 2:11-13). This demonstrated care in hard times.
- But later they made insensitive accusations against Job (Job 4-37). Their friendship lacked empathy and trust.
- After Job prayed for his friends, God restored his fortunes (Job 42:10). This models forgiveness and reconciliation.
Through Job’s story we learn that sensitivity, empathy and restoration are key to true friendship.
Peter and the Disciples
Peter and the other disciples formed a close inner circle of friends around Jesus:
- They left everything to follow Christ together (Luke 5:11).
- Jesus taught them about serving others, not seeking status (Mark 10:42-45). True friendship is not about selfish ambition.
- The disciples supported each other after Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 1:12-14). Their community provided strength.
The Gospels portray deep friendship fostered by serving God’s purposes together.
Biblical Principles About Friendship
Drawing these different passages together, we can discern some key biblical principles about friendship:
- Choose friends wisely who will draw you closer to Christ (1 Cor 15:33).
- Show love and commitment that perseveres through hardship (Prov 17:17).
- Offer wise counsel and loving correction to each other (Prov 27:6,9).
- Build each other up spiritually and emotionally (Ecc 4:9-12).
- Lay down your life for your friends (John 15:13).
- Forgive and restore broken relationships (Job 42:10).
- Treat others as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31).
The Bible offers rich insight into how to develop God-honoring friendships that strengthen us on our faith journey.