“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Friendship is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, with numerous verses highlighting the importance of having good friends in our lives. The Bible Verses About A Friend remind us of the value of true friendship and the impact it can have on our lives.
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
The Bible Verses About A Friend also offer insights into the characteristics of a good friend, emphasizing qualities such as loyalty, honesty, and vulnerability. These verses serve as a guide for cultivating meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others.
– The Importance of Friendship in Scripture
The Importance of Friendship in Scripture
Friendship is a precious gift from God that brings joy, comfort, and support to our lives. Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of friendship emphasized and celebrated. Let us explore some scriptures that highlight the significance of friendship in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
- Two are better than one,
- Because they have a good reward for their labor.
- For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact, you are doing.
Job 6:14
A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
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 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Through these verses, we can see that friendship is a powerful force that can bring blessings, wisdom, and encouragement into our lives. It is essential to cultivate meaningful friendships that are guided by love, loyalty, and mutual support.
– Characteristics of a Good Friend According to the Bible
Characteristics of a Good Friend According to the Bible
1. Loyalty
– Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
– Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
2. Encouragement
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
– Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
3. Honesty
– Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
– Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
4. Support
– 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.”
– Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
5. Forgiveness
– 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.”
– Proverbs 17:9 “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
6. Selflessness
– 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.”
– Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
7. Wisdom
– Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
– Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
8. Kindness
– Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
– Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
9. Trustworthiness
– Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
– Psalm 15:2-3 “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”
10. Humility
– Philippians 2:5 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
– Proverbs 22:4 “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
– Lessons on Friendship from the Book of Proverbs
Lessons on Friendship from the Book of Proverbs
Friendship is a precious gift from God that enriches our lives and brings joy and companionship. The Book of Proverbs offers us valuable lessons on how to cultivate and maintain healthy, God-honoring friendships. Let’s explore some of these lessons through key verses from Proverbs:
Proverbs 17:17
- A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
- One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:9
- Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Proverbs 27:17
- As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 13:20
- Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 27:6
- Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 12:26
- The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 11:13
- A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 27:10
- Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
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.
As we navigate through life’s ups and downs, having a friend by our side can make all the difference. The Bible is filled with verses that speak to the importance of friendship and the qualities of a good friend. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to be a loyal companion or looking for comfort in times of need, these verses can serve as a source of inspiration and strength. Remember, true friendship is a gift from above that should be cherished and nurtured. So, hold onto those who lift you up, support you, and journey with you through life’s blessings and challenges. May these verses about friendship serve as a reminder of the value of having a friend by your side.