Friendship is one of the most treasured relationships we can experience in life. A good friend brings joy, strength, comfort, and honesty. But what does it truly mean to be a “good friend”? In today’s world, where relationships can often feel shallow or fleeting, the Bible offers timeless wisdom and clear guidance.
The Scriptures are rich with verses that speak about loyalty, love, forgiveness, encouragement, and the deep bonds we can have with others when our friendships are grounded in faith.
Whether you’re seeking to become a better friend, understand what a godly friendship looks like, or simply need encouragement, these Bible verses about being a good friend will speak to your heart.
Below, you’ll find 35 handpicked Bible verses, each followed by a brief explanation to help you understand the context and spiritual meaning behind them.
1. Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Explanation: This verse highlights the unconditional nature of true friendship. A genuine friend remains loving and supportive, especially during difficult times.
2. John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Explanation: Jesus teaches that the greatest act of friendship is self-sacrifice. This verse shows the depth of love that real friends are willing to offer.
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
Explanation: Friendships make life more productive and fulfilling. We are stronger and more effective when we work together with others.
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.
Explanation: This verse speaks to the importance of mutual support. Good friends are there to lift each other when life gets tough.
5. Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Explanation: True friends help each other grow, offering challenges and encouragement that lead to personal and spiritual development.
6. Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Explanation: Quality matters more than quantity in friendships. Some friends can be even more loyal than family.
7. 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.
Explanation: Forgiveness is essential in friendship. We reflect God’s grace when we forgive those we care about.
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Explanation: Friends should inspire and uplift one another. Encouragement is a core aspect of a godly friendship.
9. Job 2:11
When Job’s three friends heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.
Explanation: This shows how true friends show up in times of sorrow. Presence and compassion matter deeply.
10. Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Explanation: Honest correction from a friend, though painful, is trustworthy and meant for our good.
11. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Explanation: Deep friendship involves humility and putting others first. Love is shown through loyalty and respect.
12. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation: Helping a friend in need is not just kind—it’s a spiritual duty and a reflection of Christ’s love.
13. Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Explanation: This golden rule applies beautifully to friendships. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
14. Philippians 2:4
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Explanation: Good friends care about each other’s needs, not just their own desires.
15. 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.
Explanation: The Bible warns against forming close ties with people whose behavior can lead us astray.
16. James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Explanation: True friends are safe spaces for honesty, healing, and spiritual support through prayer.
17. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Explanation: Who we choose as friends influences our behavior and values—choose wisely.
18. Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Explanation: Being around wise and godly friends helps us grow in wisdom too.
19. Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Explanation: A good friend inspires you to love more deeply and live out your faith actively.
20. Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Explanation: Friendships rooted in faith invite God’s presence into the relationship.
21. Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Explanation: Unity among friends and believers is not only joyful but pleasing to God.
22. Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”
Explanation: Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is a powerful example of friendship that endures hardship.
23. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation: Love is central in any friendship, helping to forgive and overcome faults.
24. 1 Samuel 18:1
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
Explanation: David and Jonathan’s bond exemplifies selfless, deep friendship.
25. 1 Samuel 20:42
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord.”
Explanation: Their friendship was not only emotional but spiritually bound before God.
26. Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Explanation: Friendship thrives in an atmosphere of acceptance and grace.
27. Zechariah 8:16
Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.
Explanation: Honest communication is essential for healthy relationships and friendships.
28. 1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Explanation: Love is the foundation of godly friendships, flowing directly from God’s own love.
29. Proverbs 12:26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Explanation: Wise friendships require discernment and should reflect righteousness.
30. Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Explanation: Good friends seek peace, not conflict, and are honored by God.
31. Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you.
Explanation: Even in friendship, healthy boundaries and respect for space matter.
32. Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Explanation: Gossip is destructive to friendship. Avoid it to protect and preserve relationships.
33. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation: Patience and humility are key ingredients for long-lasting friendships.
34. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
Explanation: Friends should speak words that encourage and build each other up.
35. Titus 1:8
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Explanation: These qualities reflect the kind of person who makes a faithful and trustworthy friend.
Reflecting on the Gift of Godly Friendship
The Bible is filled with beautiful reminders of how powerful and meaningful friendship can be. These Bible verses about being a good friend not only teach us how to treat others but also inspire us to seek relationships rooted in love, truth, and faith.
As you meditate on these scriptures, consider how you can become a better friend—one who encourages, forgives, and walks beside others in both joy and sorrow.
Have a favorite verse that wasn’t listed here? Or a personal story of friendship that inspired your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you and continue this journey of building godly friendships together.