Today we are going to look at Bible verses about friendship for kids. Friendships are such a special gift from God, teaching us so much about loving others.
The Bible is full of wisdom about how to be a good friend and how to choose good friends.
These verses will help us understand God’s heart for friendship. They show us how to build strong, lasting connections that honor Him. Let’s explore these wonderful verses together and see what they can teach us about being great friends.
1. Proverbs 17:17 — A Friend Loves Always
This verse tells us that a true friend’s love is constant, no matter what. It’s a love that sticks around, even when things get tough.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
Meaning: A real friend is there for you all the time, not just when it’s easy. They are a constant source of support, like a sibling who is always there for you during hard times.
Practical Application: When your friend is sad or going through something difficult, be sure to stay by their side and offer comfort. Show them you care, even when it’s not fun.
2. John 15:15 — Called Friends by Jesus
Jesus called his followers friends, not just servants. This shows how much He values our relationship with Him and how He shares His heart with us.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” — John 15:15 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus sees us as His friends. He trusts us and shares important things with us, just like a close friend would.
Practical Application: Talk to Jesus like a friend! Share your thoughts and feelings with Him, knowing He listens and cares deeply about you and wants to share His love with you.
3. Proverbs 27:9 — Sweetness of Heartfelt Advice
Good advice from a friend, given with a loving heart, is like a sweet-smelling perfume. It brings joy and comfort to our souls.
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” — Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)
Meaning: When a friend gives you honest advice from a good place in their heart, it feels wonderful and makes your heart happy.
Practical Application: If you see a friend heading down the wrong path, speak to them kindly and honestly. Your loving words can help them see clearly and feel better.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — Better Together
This verse highlights the strength found in togetherness. Two people working or facing challenges together are much stronger than one alone.
“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.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
Meaning: It’s always better to have a friend with you. You can help each other when you make mistakes or get into trouble.
Practical Application: When you have a big project or a difficult task, ask a friend to help you. And be ready to help them when they need it too.
5. 1 Corinthians 15:33 — Beware of Bad Company
The Bible warns us that the people we spend time with can influence us. Bad friends can lead us away from God and good choices.
“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
Meaning: Hanging out with people who do wrong things can make you start doing wrong things too. It’s important to choose friends who are good influences.
Practical Application: Think about the friends you spend the most time with. Do they encourage you to do good things and follow God, or do they lead you into trouble?
6. Proverbs 18:24 — A Friend Sticks Closer Than a Brother
This verse speaks of a special kind of friend, one who is incredibly loyal and stays close, even closer than family sometimes.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
Meaning: Some friends are not dependable and can cause problems, but a true, loyal friend is a treasure who will always be there for you, even more than a sibling.
Practical Application: Be that loyal friend! Be someone your friends can always count on, no matter what.
7. 1 Samuel 18:1 — Jonathan and David’s Bond
This is a beautiful example of a deep friendship. Jonathan loved David so much that their spirits became one.
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” — 1 Samuel 18:1 (NIV)
Meaning: Jonathan and David had such a strong connection that they felt like they were of the same heart and mind. Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself.
Practical Application: Strive to have that kind of deep connection with your friends. Care about their well-being as much as your own.
8. Proverbs 27:17 — Sharpening Each Other
Friends can help each other grow and become better. Like iron sharpening iron, we can make each other stronger and wiser.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
Meaning: Friends can challenge each other in good ways, helping each other improve and become stronger people.
Practical Application: Talk to your friends about your goals and dreams. Encourage them to pursue their passions and help them learn and grow.
9. Proverbs 16:28 — The Harm of Gossip
This verse warns us that people who stir up trouble and gossip can break even the closest friendships apart.
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” — Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)
Meaning: Someone who likes to cause arguments or spread rumors can ruin friendships.
Practical Application: Never spread rumors or talk badly about your friends. Be a peacemaker and keep your friendships strong by being trustworthy.
10. Colossians 3:13 — Bearing With and Forgiving
To have lasting friendships, we need to be patient with each other and willing to forgive when someone does something wrong.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Meaning: We should be patient and forgiving with our friends, just as God is patient and forgiving with us.
Practical Application: When a friend hurts you, try to understand and forgive them. Remember how much God has forgiven you and show that same grace to your friends.
11. 1 Peter 4:8 — Love Covers Sins
Love is the most important thing in any relationship, including friendship. Deep love can overlook many small faults and mistakes.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Meaning: Loving your friends deeply helps you overlook their mistakes and shortcomings, just like God overlooks ours.
Practical Application: When your friend makes a mistake, try to show them love and understanding instead of getting angry. Your love can help heal the situation.
12. Romans 13:10 — Love Does No Harm
Love is the fulfillment of God’s commands. When we truly love others, we won’t intentionally hurt them.
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” — Romans 13:10 (NIV)
Meaning: If you truly love someone, you would never want to do anything that would hurt them.
Practical Application: Before you say or do something, ask yourself if it could hurt your friend. If it might, choose kindness instead.
13. John 13:34 — Love One Another
Jesus gave His followers a new command: to love each other just as He loved them. This is the standard for our friendships.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus wants us to love our friends with the same kind of selfless love He showed us.
Practical Application: Think about how Jesus loves you. Try to show that same kind of sacrificial love to your friends, putting their needs before your own sometimes.
14. Galatians 5:13 — Serve One Another Humbly
We are called to be free in Christ, but that freedom means we should use our lives to serve others with love, not to do selfish things.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Meaning: Our freedom in Christ means we should help and serve our friends with humility and love, not just do whatever we want.
Practical Application: Look for ways to help your friends without expecting anything in return. Offer to help with chores, homework, or just be there to listen.
15. 1 John 4:7 — Love Comes From God
When we love others, it’s because God’s love is in us. Love is proof that we know God.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” — 1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Meaning: True love comes from God, and when we love others, it shows that we have a relationship with Him.
Practical Application: Remember that your ability to love your friends comes from God. Thank Him for His love and ask Him to help you love others more.
16. Matthew 5:23-24 — Reconcile First
If you remember you’ve wronged a friend, Jesus says to stop what you’re doing and go make things right with them before trying to worship God.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
Meaning: It’s more important to fix a disagreement with a friend than to do religious activities. Go make peace first.
Practical Application: If you know you hurt a friend, go to them and apologize sincerely. Don’t wait; try to make things right as soon as possible.
17. Ephesians 4:31-32 — Be Kind and Forgiving
We are told to get rid of anger and bitterness and instead be kind and forgiving to each other, just as God forgave us.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Meaning: Let go of angry feelings and mean words. Instead, be gentle, caring, and quick to forgive your friends, just like God forgives you.
Practical Application: When you feel angry with a friend, choose to be kind. Practice forgiving them, remembering that God has forgiven you for so much.
18. Proverbs 15:1 — Gentle Answer
A gentle, calm response can calm down an angry person, while harsh words only make them angrier.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Meaning: Speaking softly and kindly can stop an argument, but yelling or saying mean things will only make the other person more upset.
Practical Application: If a friend is upset with you, try to speak calmly and kindly. Your gentle words can help de-escalate the situation and lead to understanding.
19. Matthew 7:5 — Check Your Own Heart
Before judging a friend for their faults, we should first look at our own mistakes and make sure we are living right.
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” — Matthew 7:5 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus is saying it’s hypocritical to point out a small fault in a friend when you have much bigger faults yourself. Fix yourself first.
Practical Application: When you notice a friend’s mistake, take a moment to look at your own heart. Make sure you are not doing the same thing or something worse before offering advice.
20. Colossians 3:2 — Focus on Heavenly Things
We should focus our minds on God and what is important in heaven, rather than getting too caught up in earthly matters, which can cause conflict.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” — Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus wants us to think more about God and His kingdom than about things that don’t matter in the long run.
Practical Application: When you’re tempted to argue or get upset with a friend over something small, remember what’s truly important in God’s eyes. Keep your focus on Him.
21. Galatians 6:2 — Carry Each Other’s Burdens
A core part of friendship is helping each other through tough times. We should share each other’s heavy loads.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Meaning: True friends help each other when life gets hard. You should help your friends carry their troubles.
Practical Application: If a friend is going through a difficult time, ask them how you can help. Offer practical support or just be there to listen and encourage them.
22. Job 16:20-21 — Friends as Intercessors
Job’s words show how a friend can stand in the gap for you, praying for you when you are hurting and can’t pray for yourself.
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a human he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” — Job 16:20-21 (NIV)
Meaning: Job felt like his friend was his advocate, praying to God for him when he was in deep pain and couldn’t do it himself.
Practical Application: Be an intercessor for your friends. Pray for them regularly, especially when they are struggling or going through a hard time.
23. Acts 20:35 — Blessed to Give
Jesus taught that it’s more joyful to give to others than to receive. Being a supportive friend often involves giving of our time and resources.
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” — Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus said that giving to others brings more happiness than getting things for yourself. Helping others is a blessing.
Practical Application: Look for ways to give to your friends, whether it’s sharing your snacks, helping with a task, or offering encouragement. You’ll find joy in giving.
24. Romans 12:10 — Devoted and Honorable
We are called to love each other deeply and to honor our friends, putting them before ourselves.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10 (NIV)
Meaning: Jesus wants us to be totally dedicated to our friends in love and to respect them more than we respect ourselves.
Practical Application: Show your friends you truly care by being loyal and by respecting their opinions and feelings, even if they differ from yours.
25. Philippians 2:4 — Look to Others’ Interests
A key to good friendship is not just thinking about what we want, but also about what is good for our friends.
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” — Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Meaning: It’s important to care about what your friends need and want, just as much as you care about your own needs and wants.
Practical Application: When making plans or decisions, consider what your friends would enjoy or what would be best for them too. Be willing to compromise.
26. Philippians 1:3 — Thankful Remembrance
The Apostle Paul was so thankful for his friends that he thanked God every time he thought of them.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” — Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
Meaning: Paul felt so much gratitude for the people in Philippi that he thanked God for them often.
Practical Application: Take time to thank God for your friends. Let them know you appreciate them and are thankful to have them in your life.
27. Psalm 133:1 — Unity is Pleasant
This psalm beautifully describes how wonderful and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity and harmony.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
Meaning: It feels really good and is pleasing to God when people who believe in Him get along and live together peacefully.
Practical Application: Work towards unity in your friendships and in your church or small group. Try to get along and support each other.
28. Romans 12:15 — Rejoice Together
A part of friendship is sharing in each other’s happiness. We should celebrate with those who are celebrating.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” — Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Meaning: When something good happens to your friend, be happy for them. When they are sad, share in their sadness.
Practical Application: When your friend gets a good grade, wins a game, or achieves something important, celebrate with them! Share their joy.
29. 2 John 1:12 — Joy in Face-to-Face Fellowship
The Apostle John longed to see his friends in person so their joy could be complete. This shows the value of real connection.
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” — 2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Meaning: John wanted to see his friends in person because that kind of connection made his joy full and complete.
Practical Application: While online messages are good, try to spend quality time with your friends in person. Real connection deepens friendships.
30. Proverbs 15:23 — Joy in a Timely Word
Saying the right thing at the right time can bring great joy. Good communication is key in friendship.
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” — Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)
Meaning: Knowing what to say and saying it at the right moment brings happiness. A well-timed word can be very satisfying.
Practical Application: Listen carefully to your friends. Sometimes, just knowing what to say to encourage or comfort them at the right moment makes a big difference.
31. Hebrews 10:24-25 — Spur One Another On
The Bible encourages us to meet together and to encourage each other to grow in love and do good things.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Meaning: We should think about ways to inspire each other to be loving and do good. Don’t stop meeting with other believers; keep encouraging each other.
Practical Application: Be part of a church or a small group where you can regularly encourage and be encouraged by others in your faith journey.
32. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Build Each Other Up
We are called to encourage and build up one another in our faith and in our lives.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Meaning: Paul tells the Thessalonians to keep encouraging and strengthening each other, which they were already doing.
Practical Application: Make it a habit to tell your friends what you admire about them and how they inspire you. Help them see their strengths.
33. Romans 15:14 — Full of Goodness
The Apostle Paul recognized that believers are often full of goodness and capable of teaching and guiding each other.
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” — Romans 15:14 (NIV)
Meaning: Paul believed that Christians have good qualities and the ability to teach and help each other grow in understanding.
Practical Application: Trust that you and your friends have good qualities. Be willing to learn from each other and share what you know.
34. Acts 2:44 — Everything in Common
When the early believers came together, they shared everything they had. This shows a deep sense of community and mutual support.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” — Acts 2:44 (NIV)
Meaning: The first Christians lived in close community, sharing their possessions and resources with one another.
Practical Application: In your friendships and community, be willing to share what you have, whether it’s your time, your belongings, or your skills.
35. 1 Peter 2:17 — Love the Family of Believers
Peter encourages believers to show respect to everyone, love their fellow believers, and honor God.
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” — 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)
Meaning: We should treat everyone with respect, love our Christian brothers and sisters deeply, and honor God above all.
Practical Application: Make sure you are showing love and respect to all your friends, especially those who share your faith. Cherish the bond of believers.
Conclusion
These Bible verses show us just how important and precious friendships are in God’s eyes. When we pour love, support, and honesty into our relationships, we reflect God’s own amazing love for us.
Which Bible verse encourages you most today? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about choosing good friends?
The Bible teaches us to be careful about who we spend time with, as bad company can lead us astray (1 Corinthians 15:33). It encourages us to seek friends who are loyal, wise, and encourage us to do good.
How can I be a better friend according to the Bible?
The Bible encourages us to love deeply (1 Peter 4:8), be patient and forgiving (Colossians 3:13), carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and serve one another humbly (Galatians 5:13).
Are friendships as important as family in the Bible?
The Bible values both family and friendships. While family is foundational, verses like Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 18:24 highlight the unique and deep support a true friend can offer, sometimes even surpassing familial bonds.
What does the Bible say about conflict in friendships?
The Bible teaches that conflict is normal but should be handled with grace. It encourages us to reconcile quickly (Matthew 5:23-24), speak gently (Proverbs 15:1), and forgive each other (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Can the Bible teach kids how to be good friends?
Absolutely! The Bible is full of practical wisdom for kids on how to be kind, loyal, supportive, and forgiving friends. Verses like Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and Proverbs 27:17 offer great lessons.