25 Bible Verses About Friendship

Friendship is one of the most treasured gifts God has given to us. A real friend is a companion who brings joy, offers comfort, and stands by us in every season of life. The Bible shows us again and again that true friendship is built on love, loyalty, forgiveness, and encouragement.

From the deep bond between David and Jonathan to the loyalty Ruth showed Naomi, the Scriptures highlight the beauty of faithful relationships. Even Jesus, in His ministry, called His disciples friends and laid down His life for them.

If you want to understand what true friendship looks like from a biblical perspective, these 25 Bible verses about friendship will inspire you to nurture strong, faith-filled relationships and to reflect God’s love in how you treat others.

Old Testament Verses About Friendship

1. Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
A true friend is not seasonal. They love in joy and stand firm in sorrow.

Takeaway: Real friendship shines the brightest during times of struggle.

2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."
Friendship provides strength and support when life gets heavy.

Takeaway: Choose friends who will lift you when you stumble.

3. Proverbs 27:9

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."
Words of wisdom from a true friend are like a soothing fragrance.

Takeaway: Value friends who speak truth with kindness.

4. Proverbs 18:24

"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
This verse highlights loyalty and reliability.

Takeaway: Cherish the friend who proves dependable.

5. Proverbs 27:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Friends challenge and strengthen us.

Takeaway: Let your friendships refine your faith and character.

6. Job 6:14

"Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty."
Friendship requires compassion.

Takeaway: Never underestimate the power of kindness in a relationship.

7. Ruth 1:16

"Where you go I will go… Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Ruth’s devotion to Naomi shows us selfless loyalty.

Takeaway: Real friendship endures sacrifice.

8. Exodus 33:11

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
God models intimacy in friendship.

Takeaway: Friendship is a gift that mirrors our relationship with God.

9. Proverbs 22:24-25

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person… or you may learn their ways."
Scripture warns us to choose friends wisely.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with people who lead you closer to God.

10. 1 Samuel 18:1

"Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself."
The friendship of David and Jonathan is one of Scripture’s best examples.

Takeaway: Seek friendships built on mutual love and faithfulness.

New Testament Verses About Friendship

11. John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Jesus gives us the perfect model of sacrificial love.

Takeaway: Friendship calls us to selflessness.

12. John 15:15

"I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
Jesus calls His followers His friends.

Takeaway: Our greatest friendship is with Christ Himself.

13. Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Love and honor are at the core of true friendship.

Takeaway: Put your friends’ needs before your own.

14. Colossians 3:12-13

"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… forgive one another."
Forgiveness is vital to friendship.

Takeaway: Lasting friendships are built on grace.

15. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Encourage one another and build each other up."
Friends are called to speak life into each other.

Takeaway: Use your words to uplift, not tear down.

16. Philippians 2:3-4

"Value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests."
Humility strengthens relationships.

Takeaway: Friendship thrives when we serve one another.

17. James 2:23

"Abraham… was called God’s friend."
Faith brings us into friendship with God.

Takeaway: Your strongest friendship is with the Lord.

18. 1 Corinthians 15:33

"Bad company corrupts good character."
Our friends influence our walk with God.

Takeaway: Choose friends who help you grow in faith.

19. 1 Peter 4:8-9

"Love each other deeply… Offer hospitality to one another."
Friendship is strengthened by love and generosity.

Takeaway: Be open-hearted and kind in your relationships.

20. Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Real friends share in struggles.

Takeaway: Help carry your friends’ load when life feels heavy.

21. Hebrews 10:24-25

"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together."
Friendship grows stronger in fellowship.

Takeaway: Spend time with your friends in both faith and life.

22. Luke 6:31

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
The Golden Rule applies to every relationship.

Takeaway: Treat your friends with fairness and love.

23. Colossians 3:16

"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom."
Friends help us grow spiritually.

Takeaway: Share the Word of God in your friendships.

24. 3 John 1:14

"I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face."
True friends value presence and connection.

Takeaway: Take time to meet and spend moments together.

25. Ephesians 4:32

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other."
Kindness and forgiveness are pillars of lasting friendship.

Takeaway: Let love and mercy be the marks of your relationships.

The Bible reminds us that friendship is a sacred blessing. God designed us to live in community, to support one another, and to grow together in faith. These 25 Bible verses about friendship teach us that love, loyalty, forgiveness, and encouragement are the keys to strong and godly relationships.

If you have been blessed with faithful friends, thank God for them today. And more importantly, strive to be the kind of friend who reflects the love of Christ—faithful, kind, forgiving, and full of encouragement.

Share these verses with your friends, write them down, or pray over them. Let God’s Word guide your friendships into relationships that honor Him.