35 Bible Verses About Friendship

Friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings. A true friend brings joy, strength, and comfort when the road feels heavy. The Bible beautifully captures the heart of these bonds, showing us how to love and be loved well.

Scripture speaks to the soul about friendship. From verses on loyalty and trust to encouragement and support, God’s Word reminds us that friends are more than companions—they are a reflection of His care in our lives.

Top 5 Prayer for Friendship

1. Prayer for True Friendship

Lord, I thank You for the gift of friendship. Bless me with friends who are honest, kind, and faithful. Remove every false bond and lead me toward people who encourage my faith. May our friendship be rooted in truth, respect, and love. Help me to be a true friend who listens, supports, and prays for others. Keep our hearts united in You, and let us walk together in joy and peace. Amen.

2. Prayer for Strength in Hard Times

Heavenly Father, I lift my friendships before You. When trials come, give us strength to stand together. Remove misunderstandings, pride, and anger from our hearts. Fill us with patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Let us bear each other’s burdens and remind one another of Your promises. Lord, keep our bond strong even when life feels heavy, and let our friendship be a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

3. Prayer for Loyalty and Trust

Gracious God, I ask You to bless my friendships with loyalty. Build trust between us, so that no gossip, betrayal, or doubt will destroy what You have created. Teach me to be dependable, to speak truth with love, and to keep confidence with care. Let our friendship reflect Your everlasting covenant. May loyalty be the foundation of our bond, and may we remain faithful through every season of life. Amen.

4. Prayer for Healing Broken Friendships

Merciful Lord, I bring before You friendships that have been hurt or broken. Heal the wounds caused by words, actions, or silence. Remove bitterness, anger, and pride, and replace them with forgiveness and grace. Where there has been distance, restore closeness. Where there has been pain, bring healing. Lord, if it is Your will, mend what is broken and make our friendship stronger than before. Amen.

5. Prayer for Growing Together in Faith

Almighty God, thank You for friends who walk in faith. Bless our time together with conversations that glorify You. Let us pray for each other, share Your Word, and grow stronger in spirit. Protect us from temptation and guide us toward holiness. Make our friendship a light that inspires others to seek You. Lord, keep us united in Your love until the day we meet You face to face. Amen.

Top 35 Friendship Bible verse:

1. Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

This verse shows the power of true love in friendship. A real friend doesn’t walk away when life is difficult. They stand by your side when trials come, just like family. Loyalty and love are what make a friendship last through every season.

2. 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.”

The Bible reminds us that we are not meant to walk alone. Friendship gives strength, support, and comfort. When we stumble, a true friend helps us rise again. God designed friendship to be a source of encouragement and safety.

3. John 15:13

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

This verse points us to the sacrificial love of Jesus. True friendship is more than words; it’s about selfless action. A friend shows love by giving, serving, and sometimes even sacrificing their own comfort. Real love costs, but it blesses deeply.

4. Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Friendship is not only for comfort but also for growth. True friends challenge us, guide us, and help us become stronger. Just as iron sharpens iron, honest words and loving correction can make us wiser and better in our walk with God.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

A friend’s role is to lift up, not tear down. Words of encouragement can heal a discouraged heart. God calls us to be friends who speak life, offer hope, and strengthen faith. Friendship becomes powerful when it reflects God’s encouragement.

6. Job 6:14

“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”

True friendship must be filled with kindness and compassion. Without kindness, the bond becomes empty. God shows us that caring for friends is part of honoring Him. Faith and friendship walk together.

7. 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.”

The Bible warns us about the influence of friends. Wrong friendships can lead us down a dangerous path. Choosing the right friends protects our spirit. Good friends shape us; bad friends break us.

8. 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”

Friendship has the power to shape character. When we surround ourselves with the wrong people, we risk losing our values. God calls us to walk with those who inspire righteousness. Friendship can build or destroy.

9. Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

This verse shows the difference between surface friends and true friends. Many may walk in and out of our lives, but real friends are rare. They remain loyal, even closer than family. Quality matters more than quantity.

10. James 4:4

“Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”

God reminds us that friendship is also spiritual. Choosing worldly values over Him separates us from His love. True friendship points us toward God, not away from Him. Our deepest bond must be with Him first.

11. Proverbs 13:20

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

Friends influence our destiny. Walking with wise people builds wisdom. Surrounding ourselves with fools brings danger. Choose wisely who walks beside you.

12. Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Friendship is rooted in humility and devotion. A true friend values others above self. In this love, pride fades and service shines. Honor strengthens every bond.

13. 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.”

No friendship survives without forgiveness. Mistakes happen, words hurt, but God calls us to forgive like He forgives. True friendship grows stronger when grace is given.

14. 1 Samuel 18:3

“And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”

Jonathan and David show covenant friendship. Their love was unselfish, loyal, and enduring. True friendship is a bond of heart and spirit that reflects God’s love.

15. Galatians 6:2

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

Friendship is about sharing the weight of life. Helping one another through trials fulfills Christ’s command of love. A real friend doesn’t just watch; they walk with you in pain.

16. Proverbs 27:6

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

A real friend tells the truth in love. Honest correction may sting, but it is good. Flattery from false friends can destroy. Truth is love, even when it hurts.

17. Luke 6:31

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

This golden rule is the heart of friendship. Treat friends with the same respect, care, and love you desire. Friendships thrive when built on mutual kindness.

18. Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Friendship requires the clothing of godly virtues. Compassion, humility, and patience turn relationships into blessings. These qualities create peaceful and lasting bonds.

19. 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Deep love forgives, restores, and protects. In friendship, love heals wounds and strengthens hearts. God’s love teaches us to look past faults and hold on to grace. Love sustains friendship.

20. Proverbs 12:26

“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

Friendship is a choice with consequences. Righteous friends lead us closer to God, while wrong friends lead us astray. God calls us to be wise in choosing who we walk with.

21. Psalm 133:1

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Friendship thrives in unity and peace. When hearts are joined in love, it reflects God’s design. Unity brings joy, healing, and strength. True friendship creates harmony.

22. 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.”

Friendship requires humility and service. A selfish heart destroys trust, but valuing others creates love. God calls us to put friends before ourselves. Selflessness builds strong bonds.

23. Amos 3:3

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”

True friendship walks in agreement and purpose. Without harmony, the bond is weak. Friendship requires shared values and unity of heart. Walking together means walking as one.

24. Romans 1:12

“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

Friendship in Christ is about mutual encouragement. Faith grows stronger when shared with others. Friends who pray, worship, and trust God together experience deeper bonds.

25. Proverbs 27:9

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

Godly advice is sweet and life-giving. Just as fragrance refreshes, wise words from a friend bring joy. Counsel given in love is priceless.

26. Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”

Friendship needs time and presence. Meeting together, sharing love, and inspiring good works strengthen the bond. Encouragement is the fuel of friendship.

27. Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

True friends give honest correction. Listening to their words, even when hard, makes us wise. Friendship that includes discipline leads to growth and maturity.

28. Ruth 1:16

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

Ruth’s words show faithful commitment. Real friends don’t walk away when life changes. They stand firm, sharing in faith and love. Loyalty is the mark of true friendship.

29. Proverbs 16:28

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

Gossip destroys trust. A twisted heart creates division. God warns us to avoid such behavior, for peace and honesty protect friendship.

30. Galatians 5:13

“Serve one another humbly in love.”

Friendship is not about taking but about serving. When friends serve each other in love, bonds deepen. Humble service reflects Christ’s love.

31. 2 Timothy 2:22

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

This verse teaches us to choose friends of faith. Walking with those who pursue God brings strength and purity. True friendship helps us run after holiness together.

32. Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Compassion and forgiveness are the pillars of friendship. Without them, no bond can survive. God calls us to mirror His mercy. Kindness keeps friendships alive.

33. Proverbs 27:5

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

Friendship must be honest and open. Silence in the face of truth is not love. Correction shows care, while hidden feelings lead to weakness. True love speaks boldly.

34. Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Friendship in Christ brings God’s presence. When friends gather to pray and worship, the Lord is near. This makes friendship more than social — it becomes spiritual fellowship.

35. Proverbs 20:6

“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”

Faithful friends are rare treasures. Many may promise, but only a few truly stand firm. A godly friend keeps their word and proves loyal. Faithfulness defines lasting friendship.

5 Lessons from the Bible for Building Strong Friendships:

1. Honesty and Trust are the Foundation of Friendship

Friendship cannot last without honesty and trust. The Bible reminds us that truth builds stronger bonds and protects hearts from betrayal.

Bible Verse

Proverbs 27:6 — “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

Reflection

True friends may correct or challenge us, and though it stings, it comes from love and care. Flattery from false friends feels pleasant but is empty. Real trust grows when friends are honest, even in hard moments. Truth keeps friendship strong.

2. Be There for Your Friends, Especially in Tough Times

The measure of a true friend is seen when life gets difficult. God’s Word shows us the beauty of loyalty during trials.

Bible Verse

Proverbs 17:17 — “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Reflection

Fair-weather friends disappear in storms, but true friends remain. Loyalty shines brightest when hardships come. Standing by someone in pain shows Christlike love. Faithful presence is a gift in friendship.

3. Show Love and Forgiveness

Friendship thrives when we choose love over offense and forgiveness over bitterness. Without forgiveness, no bond can last.

Bible Verse

Colossians 3:13 — “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Reflection

We all make mistakes and say hurtful things at times. God calls us to forgive quickly and love deeply. Holding grudges only damages trust, but forgiveness heals and restores. Lasting friendships are built on grace.

4. Be Supportive and Help Each Other Grow

Friends are not only for joy but also for growth and accountability. They should help us become better and closer to God.

Bible Verse

Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Reflection

True friends encourage progress, challenge bad habits, and inspire us to live faithfully. They don’t just comfort but also correct with love. Friendship becomes a blessing when it helps us grow in wisdom and strength.

5. Choose Your Friends Wisely

The people we surround ourselves with can shape our character and destiny. The Bible reminds us to walk with the right companions.

Bible Verse

1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”

Reflection

Wrong friends can slowly lead us into bad habits, while godly friends lift us higher. Choosing wisely means protecting our hearts and future. Good friends bring us closer to God; bad friends pull us away.

Final Thoughts 

Friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts. The Bible teaches us to build bonds with honesty, loyalty, love, and forgiveness. True friends walk with us through trials and help us grow in faith. Choosing the right companions shapes our journey and draws us closer to God. Strong friendships honor Him and bless our lives.