The Bible has a lot to say about friendship: loyal friends, honest friends, friends who carry burdens and friends who sharpen each other. These verses show that friendship is a gift and a calling.
Every verse below is quoted in the exact King James Version wording, followed by a short note from our editors on what it means for friendship today.
Top Bible verses about friendship
- “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)
- “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 (KJV)
- “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
- “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9 (KJV)
- “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
Verses about loyal friends
Friends who stay when life is hard.
- “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:24 (KJV). A true friend can be as close as family.
- “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” — Ecclesiastes 4:10 (KJV). Friends help each other up.
- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” — Proverbs 27:6 (KJV). Honest words from a friend are a gift.
- “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not.” — Proverbs 27:10 (KJV). Treasure long, loyal friendships.
- “Whither thou goest, I will go.” — Ruth 1:16 (KJV). Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is a model of devoted friendship.
Verses about loving your friends
Love as the heart of friendship.
- “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 (KJV). Jesus sets the standard for love.
- “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” — John 15:14 (KJV). Jesus calls His followers friends.
- “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God.” — 1 John 4:7 (KJV). Love comes from God.
- “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” — Romans 12:10 (KJV). Show warmth and honor to friends.
- “Charity suffereth long, and is kind.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV). Patient kindness is love in action.
Verses about encouraging friends
Friends who build each other up.
- “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV). Encourage and strengthen each other.
- “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” — Proverbs 27:9 (KJV). Good advice from a friend refreshes the soul.
- “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” — Romans 12:15 (KJV). Share both joys and sorrows.
- “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” — Hebrews 10:24 (KJV). Inspire each other to do good.
- “Two are better than one.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9 (KJV). Life is better shared.
Verses about choosing friends wisely
Wisdom for the company you keep.
- “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” — Proverbs 13:20 (KJV). Friends shape who we become.
- “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV). Bad company can lead us astray.
- “Make no friendship with an angry man.” — Proverbs 22:24 (KJV). Choose peaceful companions.
- “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” — Amos 3:3 (KJV). Shared values make friendships strong.
- “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” — Proverbs 18:24 (KJV). To have friends, be a friend.
Friendship examples in the Bible
Stories of faithful friends.
- David and Jonathan: “The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.” — 1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
- Ruth and Naomi: “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” — Ruth 1:16 (KJV)
- Jesus and His disciples: “I have called you friends.” — John 15:15 (KJV)
- Paul and Timothy: Paul called Timothy “my dearly beloved son.” — 2 Timothy 1:2 (KJV)
Frequently asked questions
How we put this list together: All verses are quoted in the exact King James Version wording. Short explanations were written by our editors for everyday understanding. Written and reviewed by John Moler, editor at Graceful Names. See our editorial policy.