Meaningful relationships are a vital part of the Christian life, and the Bible offers wisdom on cultivating strong friendships. According to Proverbs, a true friend loves at all times and is born for adversity, as seen in Proverbs 17:17. The company we keep can also shape our character, as 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad associations can corrupt good morals. Proverbs 13:20 and 27:17 further emphasize the importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can either bring joy or sorrow into our lives, and iron sharpens iron in close relationships. By following these principles, believers can build lasting and edifying friendships.
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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
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.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
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.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.