God’s word in the Bible about friends is clear, for in them one should find kindness and decency, and it is they who give support and encouragement when needed.

Holy scriptures offer many words about friendship, love, and compassion, as well as how friends should be treated.

One such verse is Proverbs 17:17, which commands one to love one’s friend at all times, since love is the basis of everything, and therefore one should love one’s neighbor.

What is a friend?

Generally, friends are important people in life; they are part of a friendly relationship where there is mutual affection.

Friends are people who are united from the heart, know each other’s problems, and feel the victories and defeats themselves.

When friendship is true, friends become confidants, people who understand, helpers, guards, and people who will be there no matter how big the problem is.

Therefore, it is important to know what God’s words say about friendship and how God commands to treat friends.

Bible verses about friendship

It is important to know that not all friendships are real, and sometimes it is important to know whether a friendship is worthwhile.

While many wonders how they should treat their true friends so as not to hurt their feelings, the Bible answers all those concerns.

Proverbs 17:17

God makes it clear in Proverbs 17:17 that a true friend loves at all times, and that many friends in adversity become brothers.

These friendships are treasures worth more than gold; they are friendships that in times of trouble will support and be there to face problems.

True friends will give encouragement when the time is right and will show that they will not only be there in times of plenty.

Proverbs 17:17 is clear on this, and shows that love is a trait of a real friend, who will love at all times, no matter if the situation is bad, and that at all times they will seek to express or demonstrate their love.

Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.

This passage makes it clear that one should always choose wise friendships, which serve to enhance one’s development, as in all areas.

Although the idea is not to reject friendships, Proverbs 13:20 clarifies that a person with a bad friendship will suffer harm.

Good friends cultivate healthy friendships, with little or no life-threatening experiences, that is, being a good friend according to the Bible.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

This verse continues the idea of the previous verse, which expresses that true friendships do not corrupt morals or good characters.

Virtuous friends inspire good values, set good examples, reap blessings, promote good behavior, and do not corrupt good morals.

Proverbs 18:24

This proverb points out that, although there are friends who often destroy each other, a good friend is kept closer than a brother.

This explains why friends are often much closer during difficult times than their own blood families.

Close friends know their worries, sad times, struggles, and dreams. Friends are loyal, correct when wrong, and have congratulated achievements.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

This verse shows what is considered a good friendship, and a good example of this is Jesus, who gave his life to save humanity.

Sacrifice is part of friendship; in the Bible, there are many examples of friends who sacrifice for their friendships.

A good example was the friendship between Jonathan and David, where Jonathan defended David from his own father.

Proverbs 16:28

A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.

This verse expresses how true friends do not talk behind their backs, and that there is nothing worse than a gossiping friend.

A gossiping friend will simply ruin the friendship, and all will end in disappointment and regret.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Good friendships give good influence, help to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and, many times, it is a step up from the influence of friendly relationships.

God often sends people to serve a good influence, interceding through them to improve life and relationships.

Good friends influence God positively; they enter into life to improve, sharpen, and lead in God’s righteous path.

As the writer and professor Jack Deere puts it in one of his interviews for BibleGateway, God often sends people who become friends, and God intercedes through them.

“God sent some humble men into my life who taught me that God wanted a friendship with me. He wanted me to feel his affection and enjoy him more than anything else in my life. They also taught that pride was a hindrance to my friendship with God.” said Jack Deere.

Jack Deere, is a writer and lecturer who speaks throughout the world. Formerly, he was an assistant professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary for more than ten years.

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

One of God’s teachings in the Bible about friends is that although there are shortcomings, true friends face them together.

Friendships often go through difficult times when friends get along, and the relationship becomes stronger.

A true friendship is best for everyone.

Psalm 37:3

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

This psalm shows how trust is essential in any relationship and its importance in friendship with God, so we should imitate this example and apply it in relationships with friends.

Friendships must build trust that inspires security and tranquility. No friendships endured without trust.

Colossians 3:13

Good friends forgive, and the best example is how God forgave mankind for their sins.

True friends forgive from the heart; forgiveness that does not come from the heart has no meaning.

In life, friendship is a gift; the most faithful and real friendship requires effort and empathy, and it is important to value and bless the friendships you have.