The Bible teaches that close friendships are a vital part of a fulfilling life, bringing joy, support, and encouragement. In Proverbs, we find wisdom on the qualities of true friends, such as loyalty and discretion, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 17:9. A faithful friend is also one who helps to sharpen and refine us, as Proverbs 27:17 illustrates, while Job 6:14 laments the pain of a friend who fails to offer comfort in times of need. According to Proverbs 18:24, having a friend who sticks closer than a brother is a rare and precious gift.
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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.