The Best 50+ Bible Verses About True Friends

Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts. The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on what it means to be a true friend.

This article brings together 50 Bible verses that highlight the essence of genuine friendship. These verses provide insights and guidance on how to nurture and cherish the bonds we share with our friends.

50 Bible Verses About True Friends

10 Bible Verses on True Friends and Loyalty

• "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17
• "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." — Proverbs 18:24
• "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." — Proverbs 27:6
• "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
• "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." — John 15:13
• "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." — Proverbs 3:3
• "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel." — Proverbs 27:9
• "Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." — 1 Samuel 18:1
• "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." — Proverbs 12:26
• "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

10 Bible Verses on Characteristics of True Friends

• "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." — Proverbs 27:17
• "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" — 1 Corinthians 15:33
• "He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend." — Proverbs 22:11
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." — James 1:19
• "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." — Proverbs 16:28
• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:12-14
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:3-4
• "Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart." — Proverbs 25:20
• "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2

10 Bible Verses on True Friends in Times of Trouble

• "To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty." — Job 6:14
• "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." — Psalm 34:18
• "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." — Proverbs 17:17
• "For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:10
• "Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." — 2 Corinthians 1:4
• "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1
• "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
• "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10
• "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." — Psalm 55:22
• "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

10 Bible Verses on True Friends and Encouragement

• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25
• "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." — Proverbs 12:25
• "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." — Romans 15:2
• "The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me." — 2 Timothy 1:16-17
• "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." — Psalm 121:1-2
• "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel." — Proverbs 27:9
• "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10
• "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." — Philippians 1:3-5
• "I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts." — Colossians 4:8

10 Bible Verses on True Friends and Forgiveness

• "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15
• "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
• "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." — Luke 17:3
• "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." — Proverbs 19:11
• "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
• "Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" — Matthew 18:21-22
• "So that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow." — 2 Corinthians 2:7
• "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." — Mark 11:25
• "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9

What Does the Bible Say About True Friends

True friendship is a beautiful gift that the Bible speaks about in many ways. It shows us how to be good friends and how to cherish those who stand by us. The verses above offer a roadmap for building and maintaining strong, loving friendships.

One key theme is loyalty. Proverbs 17:17 tells us that a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This means true friends stick with us through thick and thin. They are there to support us, no matter what challenges we face.

Another important theme is encouragement. Friends lift each other up and provide comfort. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us to comfort and edify one another. A good word from a friend can make a huge difference, especially when we are feeling down.

Forgiveness is also crucial in friendships. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us that if we forgive others, our heavenly Father will forgive us. True friends are willing to forgive and move past mistakes, understanding that everyone has flaws.

Lastly, true friends are there in times of trouble. Psalm 34:18 says the Lord is near to those with a broken heart. Friends reflect this by being present and offering support when we need it most. They help us bear our burdens and find strength in difficult times.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About True Friends

Applying the Bible's teachings on true friendship can make a big difference in our daily lives. These verses guide us on how to be better friends and build stronger relationships.

• Be loyal: Stick with your friends through good times and bad. Check in on them regularly and offer support when they need it.
• Encourage others: Share uplifting words and positive feedback. A simple compliment or a kind message can brighten someone's day.
• Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and be quick to forgive. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and forgiving helps heal relationships.
• Be present in tough times: Offer a listening ear or a helping hand when your friends are struggling. Sometimes just being there is enough.
• Pray for your friends: Include them in your prayers, asking for their well-being and guidance. This strengthens your bond and shows you care.
• Get involved in your community: Join groups or activities where you can meet new people and build meaningful friendships.

Remember, God is always with you, helping you grow and strengthen your friendships. Trust in His guidance and let your faith lead you in being a true friend.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.