Holy Bible Online 
Friendships are very special relationships. Friendships we make throughout our lives shape us and change us.
The most famous friendship mentioned in the Bible is between David and Jonathan (the son of King Saul). Despite the tension between David and King Saul, Jonathan showed great love, loyalty and support to David. We also read about Naomi and Ruth, a friendship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law - both widows faced the pain of loss but remained united and grounded in true love and friendship.
In Mark 2:1-12, we read about the friends who carried the paralyzed man to Jesus for healing - this shows us that true friends will go to any length to help one and other. It wouldn't be complete if we didn't touch base on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. Jesus was deeply moved when he heard about Lazarus' death and he raised Lazarus from the dead which is a sign of his love and power.
Through scriptures, the Bible explains why everyone needs friends and here are some biblical verses on friendship to inspire and strengthen your relationships:
1. Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
-Proverbs 17:17
Strong friendships break down the boundaries between people from different backgrounds! In the most difficult of times, the bonds of friendship become as strong as blood ties. Indeed friends are like family.
2. 1 John 4:12
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
- 1 John 4:12
Friendship was created by God. The love of a friend reflects the love of Jesus, who calls us his friends. Friendship demonstrates God's love.
3. Proverbs 18:24
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
- Proverbs 18:24
Not all friends are true friends, but a true friendship is for life. A good friend loves unconditionally, they are present by your side under all circumstances. True friends are priceless, like gold!
4. Ecclesiastes 4:10
"If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up."
- Ecclesiastes 4:10
Unity is strength! Friends work as a team, helping each other through difficulties. Those who have friends have more security and reassurance.
5. Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another."
- Proverbs 27:17
Friends help us to be better prepared to face the world. Friends exchange ideas, learn new things together, and encourage each other. Friendships help you grow! How good it is to have a friend!!
6. Job 29:4
"Oh, for the days when I was in my prime,
when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house,"
- Job 29:4
Everything in our lives is blessed when we develop a close and intimate relationship with God. Job recognized that friendship with God blessed his home. Be a sincere friend of God yourself. Remember, a friendship with God will bless you!
7. Psalm 25:14
The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
-Psalm 25:14
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and it also brings us closer to God as good friends. When we respect and obey him, he teaches us personally about his commitment to love. Whoever fears God becomes His friend!
8. Proverbs 7:4
"Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and to insight, “You are my relative.”"
- Proverbs 7:4
Being a close friend of wisdom reveals a desire to please God by doing His will. Being wise is superior to being intelligent or wise. Therefore be friends with wisdom.
9. Proverbs 27:6
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses."
- Proverbs 27:6
Every true friend has a precious mission: to help make their friends better people. Therefore, constructive criticism, warnings, or scolding are better than misleading agreements. Be a sincere friend.
10. Proverbs 22:24-25
"24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared."
- Proverbs 22:24-25
Aggressive friends are an imminent danger. As well as compromising you in some situations, by living with them you could learn their attributes and become like them. This will put you in danger and damage your conduct towards God and people. Choose your friends wisely!
11. James 4:4
"ou adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
- James 4:4
Friendship with the world or with God? Friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God. And there is no middle ground here. The values of the Kingdom of God do not fit in with the principles of the world, and vice versa.
That's why we will always have to make a moral and real choice: God and His principles, or the world and its passions. Don't make concessions, being a friend of God excludes the hidden evil desires and wickedness that populate and reign in society.
12. John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- John 15:13
The union between Jesus and his followers produces a friendship that goes beyond eternity. A life of love and obedience to Christ will be filled with joy and complicity. As Christians, we are not called to simply be servants or employees of our Lord. He invites you to be a true friend of His. No one has greater love than our Friend Jesus
Who are your friends? Thank God for them today!
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