Friendship is a divine blessing, a sacred gift from God designed to bring joy, comfort, and strength into our lives. A good friend is one of life’s greatest treasures—someone who encourages, listens, and walks beside you through every season. The Bible speaks extensively about friendship, offering wisdom on what it means to be a true friend and how good friends can shape our spiritual journey. In a world where relationships are often fleeting and shallow, God’s Word reminds us that real friendship is built on loyalty, love, and truth.
A good friend doesn’t just share your happiness; they also help carry your burdens. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” That means true friendship is not conditional. It does not fade when challenges come but grows stronger in difficult times. A godly friend prays with you, speaks truth even when it’s hard to hear, and reminds you of God’s promises when life feels uncertain.
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Throughout Scripture, we find examples of powerful friendships rooted in faith—David and Jonathan’s covenant loyalty, Ruth and Naomi’s devotion, and Jesus’ unwavering love for His disciples. These relationships reveal that good friendship is not about convenience but commitment. It’s about walking together in love, honesty, and forgiveness.
The Bible also cautions us to choose our friends wisely. Proverbs 13:20 warns, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Good friends help us grow closer to God, while ungodly friendships can lead us astray. That’s why we must discern and nurture relationships that honor God’s values—kindness, patience, humility, and grace.
Good friends hold us accountable, celebrate our victories, and lift us when we stumble. They make life richer and faith stronger. These 35 powerful Bible verses about a good friend will inspire you to thank God for the loyal people in your life and guide you in becoming a faithful friend yourself.
35 Powerful Bible Verses About a Good Friend (2025)
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
True friendship is constant and steadfast. A good friend doesn’t disappear when troubles arise—they draw nearer. This verse reminds us that genuine love withstands trials. A good friend’s loyalty mirrors God’s unfailing love, offering strength during hardship and joy in triumph. Their companionship becomes a reflection of divine grace, bringing light in dark seasons. In times of adversity, such friendships become lifelines, proving that godly love endures through every storm.
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”
Life is richer when shared. God designed us to thrive in community, not isolation. This verse highlights the beauty of partnership—friends support, uplift, and multiply one another’s strength. A good friend becomes God’s instrument of encouragement, ready to help you rise when you stumble. Their presence brings balance, accountability, and shared purpose. Friendship built on faith doubles joy and divides sorrow.
3. John 15:13
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus defines ultimate friendship through sacrificial love. A good friend gives selflessly, placing others’ needs above their own. This verse reminds us that true love is not selfish—it’s willing to sacrifice time, pride, and comfort. Christ modeled the perfect friendship when He gave His life for humanity. In every act of compassion and loyalty, we mirror that same divine love.
4. Proverbs 27:9
“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”
Just as fragrance uplifts the senses, a good friend’s advice brings joy to the soul. True friendship isn’t only about laughter but also about honest, heartfelt guidance. A good friend speaks truth gently, motivated by love, not pride. Their counsel restores clarity when life feels confusing and gives courage when faith feels weak. God places such friends in our lives to comfort, correct, and strengthen us. Their wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit, becomes a sweet aroma of grace. Through godly friends, our hearts learn to rejoice even in seasons of challenge and change.
5. Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
A true friend doesn’t merely agree—they help refine your faith and character. Like iron striking iron, good friends challenge one another to grow stronger in wisdom and grace. Their words are honest yet kind, designed to strengthen, not wound. Through prayer, correction, and encouragement, they shape our hearts to reflect Christ more clearly. Godly friendship sharpens dull spirits and reignites fading zeal. When we surround ourselves with friends who love truth, our lives become brighter, our convictions firmer, and our walk with God more steadfast. Friendship built on faith polishes the soul until it shines with divine strength.
6. Proverbs 18:24
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
True friendship is built on reciprocity—showing kindness, humility, and faithfulness. This verse reminds us that genuine connection requires effort and openness. Good friends are not only companions in joy but also anchors in pain. While many relationships fade, a godly friend remains steadfast through trials. Ultimately, this verse points to Jesus—the Friend who stays closer than family, who never abandons us. He models perfect loyalty, teaching us to love consistently and forgive freely. Friendship, when rooted in Christ, endures beyond circumstance and becomes a reflection of His unwavering love.
7. Ruth 1:16
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee… for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge.”
Ruth’s words to Naomi embody the beauty of unwavering loyalty. Her devotion wasn’t based on gain but on genuine love and faithfulness. A good friend stands by you even when life becomes uncertain or costly. Ruth’s commitment reflects the heart of Christ—selfless, enduring, and full of grace. In a world that often values convenience, godly friendship thrives on covenant loyalty. This verse reminds us that true companionship means sharing both burdens and blessings. Real friends don’t walk away when times get tough—they walk with you, guided by the love that comes from God alone.
8. 1 Samuel 18:3
“Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”
The friendship between David and Jonathan stands as one of Scripture’s most moving examples of loyalty and love. Their bond wasn’t built on personal advantage but on shared faith and mutual respect. Jonathan’s selflessness—choosing David’s wellbeing over his own ambition—shows what true friendship looks like. A good friend rejoices in your success and supports your calling, even at personal cost. This verse teaches that friendship, when rooted in love and honor, becomes sacred. It mirrors God’s covenant with us—steadfast, protective, and deeply personal, proving that godly relationships are forged through faith, not convenience.
9. Job 2:11
“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came… to mourn with him and to comfort him.”
True friends don’t vanish in seasons of pain—they draw near. Job’s friends came to comfort him during unimaginable suffering, showing that love’s first language is presence. Though they later faltered in judgment, their initial compassion reveals the heart of godly friendship. A good friend doesn’t need perfect words; sometimes silence and shared sorrow speak louder than advice. When friends weep with us and stand beside us, they mirror God’s tenderness. This verse reminds us that genuine companionship is not about fixing pain but walking through it together in faith and love.
10. Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.”
The company we keep shapes the direction of our lives. God calls us to walk with those who strengthen our faith, not those who draw us away from truth. A good friend influences us toward righteousness, inspiring godly choices and pure motives. This verse warns against companionship that leads to compromise. Choosing good friends is not about popularity but spiritual alignment. When we surround ourselves with the wise and faithful, we grow in discernment and peace. Godly friends help us stay rooted in His Word, ensuring that our hearts remain steady and our paths upright.
11. Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Friendship is powerful—it can shape our character for better or worse. This verse reminds us that wisdom is contagious, just as folly is destructive. Walking with godly friends strengthens discernment and fosters growth, while ungodly influences lead to confusion and harm. A good friend inspires you to seek God, live righteously, and make wise decisions. The people closest to you often reflect your spiritual direction. Choose companions who challenge your faith, not weaken it. God places wise friends in our path to refine our hearts and keep us grounded in truth and integrity.
12. Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
True friends value honesty over comfort. This verse reveals that loving correction is a mark of genuine friendship. Sometimes truth hurts, but when it comes from a godly friend, it heals rather than harms. Fake affection flatters but deceives; real love tells the truth with grace. A good friend doesn’t enable sin—they guide you back to righteousness. Their faithful “wounds” protect your soul from destruction. This scripture reminds us that authentic friendship builds character and fosters accountability. Godly love confronts with kindness, helping us grow closer to Christ and live wisely.
13. Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
A good friend is someone who shares your struggles, not just your successes. Paul calls believers to bear each other’s burdens, mirroring Christ’s compassion. This verse teaches that friendship is an act of love in motion—carrying one another’s pain through prayer, empathy, and presence. When we help friends shoulder life’s weight, we demonstrate the gospel. Friendship rooted in Christ is not self-serving; it’s self-giving. A true friend doesn’t walk away from hardship but walks beside you until hope returns. Through mutual care, friendships become holy ground where God’s love is felt most deeply.
14. Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
No friendship is perfect. Misunderstandings and disappointments happen, but godly friends choose forgiveness over resentment. This verse reminds us that the strength of friendship lies in mercy. Christ forgave us freely, and we are called to do the same. Forgiveness restores trust and guards hearts from bitterness. A good friend doesn’t hold grudges; they extend grace. Lasting friendships are built not on perfection but on patience and love. When we forgive as Christ forgave, our friendships reflect His redemptive power and become a testimony of grace to others.
15. Proverbs 22:11
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.”
This verse celebrates the beauty of purity and gracious speech. A good friend possesses both—a sincere heart and gentle words. Such friends bring peace, not strife. They uplift with kindness, not criticism. Purity of heart ensures honesty and loyalty, while grace-filled lips bring comfort and wisdom. These are the qualities that make friendship strong and enduring. God honors relationships rooted in integrity and humility. When we cultivate purity in our motives and gentleness in our words, we attract and nurture friendships that glorify Him and refresh the soul.
16. Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Paul’s words describe friendship marked by humility and respect. A good friend puts others first, serving with kindness rather than self-interest. Genuine friendship is not about competition but compassion. It seeks to uplift rather than outshine. This verse reminds us that love within friendship should reflect the same brotherly affection Christ shows us. When we choose to honor our friends—to listen, encourage, and value them—we cultivate relationships that strengthen faith and unity. Godly friendship thrives when love is sincere, humble, and centered on serving one another in grace.
17. James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
Prayer deepens friendship like nothing else. This verse reveals that healing flows through honest confession and intercession. A good friend prays with you, not just for you. They hold your struggles with grace and bring them before God’s throne. Confession builds trust; prayer brings strength. In Christ-centered friendships, vulnerability becomes safe, and burdens lighten through faith. When we pray together, our hearts align with God’s purpose, and friendships grow stronger in spiritual unity. The truest friends intercede faithfully, proving that prayer is the heartbeat of every enduring, godly relationship.
18. Philippians 2:4
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
A good friend looks beyond themselves, showing care for others’ needs. Paul teaches that selflessness is the mark of Christlike love. Fake friendships focus on what can be gained; godly friendships focus on what can be given. True friends listen, empathize, and act with compassion. They celebrate your blessings and help bear your pain. This verse calls us to love unselfishly, to think of others first. When friends serve one another from the heart, relationships flourish, and God’s love becomes tangible through simple, sincere acts of kindness and care.
19. Proverbs 27:5
“Open rebuke is better than secret love.”
Honest love is stronger than silent affection. A good friend speaks truth, even when it’s hard. This verse reminds us that quiet approval in the face of wrongdoing is not love—it’s neglect. True friendship requires courage to confront and compassion to restore. A loving rebuke, offered with humility, protects the soul from greater harm. Good friends value your growth more than your comfort. God blesses those who speak the truth in love, for their honesty preserves both integrity and trust. Real love corrects kindly and guides gently back to righteousness.
20. Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Kindness and forgiveness are the foundation of lasting friendship. This verse teaches that good friends imitate Christ by showing tenderness, patience, and mercy. True friendship does not hold grudges or demand perfection—it offers grace freely. When we forgive as God forgave us, bitterness fades and love deepens. A good friend chooses compassion over criticism, peace over pride. Such friendships bring healing and unity, becoming living reflections of Christ’s gentleness. God’s love, expressed through kindness and forgiveness, transforms ordinary relationships into holy, enduring bonds of friendship.
21. Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Good friends protect unity, not division. This verse warns against gossip and strife, which destroy even the strongest bonds. A loyal friend guards your name and keeps your trust sacred. They don’t repeat private matters or stir conflict for entertainment. True friendship values peace and honesty, refusing to be used by deceit. God calls us to be peacemakers—friends who speak truth, defend loyalty, and sow harmony. Words have power; use them to heal, not harm. Friendships rooted in integrity thrive because they reflect God’s love and resist the enemy’s attempts to divide.
22. Proverbs 19:20
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
A good friend is a source of wisdom and correction. They love you enough to speak truth even when it challenges your comfort. This verse teaches humility—the willingness to listen and learn. God often uses friends to guide us toward righteousness. Wise companions help us avoid mistakes and grow in discernment. When we receive counsel from godly friends, we grow wiser, stronger, and more faithful. Friendship flourishes when advice is shared with love and received with gratitude. Good friends sharpen each other’s understanding and help one another follow the path of godly wisdom.
23. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Good friends uplift and encourage one another in faith. Paul’s words remind us that friendship isn’t passive—it’s active encouragement. A godly friend speaks life into weary hearts and reminds you of God’s promises. True friendship strengthens hope and reinforces joy. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to comfort and inspire. When we build each other up rather than tear down, we mirror Christ’s heart. Words of affirmation, prayer, and kindness make friendship a safe place where faith grows. A true friend helps you rise closer to God, not drift away from Him.
24. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
The people you spend time with shape your character. This verse warns that bad company can destroy good morals. A good friend influences you toward holiness, not compromise. God wants your friendships to strengthen your faith, not weaken it. Surround yourself with those who value truth and righteousness. When your closest relationships honor Christ, your life bears fruit. True friendship uplifts your spirit, keeps you accountable, and draws you nearer to God. Choose friends who challenge you to be better, pray with you, and walk faithfully beside you in love and purpose.
25. Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
The right words from a good friend bring healing, encouragement, and peace. This verse paints a picture of beauty—wise words are precious and priceless. Godly friends speak truth at the right time and in the right way. Their encouragement refreshes the soul and guides us gently back to God’s will. Words of grace and honesty build lasting trust. Good friends choose their speech carefully, speaking life rather than criticism. Their conversations shine with purity and compassion, becoming treasures that enrich the heart and strengthen faith.
26. 1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Love is the heartbeat of friendship. This verse reminds us that godly friends extend grace when others fail. A good friend doesn’t magnify mistakes—they forgive and move forward in love. True friendship thrives in mercy, not judgment. Just as God covers our sins with His grace, we are called to extend compassion to our friends. Love heals what pride divides. When forgiveness flows freely, relationships deepen and endure. Genuine friendship endures because it chooses love over offense, patience over pride, and understanding over anger.
27. Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
A good friend inspires you to live better and love deeper. This verse calls believers to encourage one another toward godliness. True friends don’t compete—they motivate. They challenge you to grow in faith, serve with joy, and remain steadfast in trials. Friendship becomes ministry when it points both hearts toward God. Every kind word and shared prayer stirs up goodness in both giver and receiver. When we surround ourselves with friends who nurture spiritual growth, we not only become better believers but also reflect Christ’s light more brightly in the world.
28. Romans 1:12
“That I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
Paul reminds us that friendship in Christ is mutually strengthening. A good friend’s faith uplifts your spirit and reminds you that you’re not alone in the journey. Godly friendships thrive on shared belief and encouragement. When friends walk together in faith, they comfort one another through prayer, testimony, and understanding. Mutual faith binds hearts with divine purpose. In a world of doubt, faithful friends remind you of God’s promises. Each friendship rooted in Christ becomes a living testimony that faith, when shared, multiplies hope and courage for both hearts.
29. Proverbs 22:24–25
“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: lest thou learn his ways.”
This verse cautions believers to choose companions wisely. Anger and bitterness are contagious, spreading quickly through association. A good friend influences you toward peace, patience, and humility. God calls us to relationships that build, not break, our spirit. Surround yourself with people whose words reflect kindness and whose actions reflect grace. If we keep company with those ruled by wrath, we risk losing our peace. Wise friendships nurture godly character and protect the soul. Choose friends who radiate calmness and wisdom, for they help guard your heart from unnecessary pain.
30. Luke 6:31
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Jesus’ golden rule defines true friendship. Treat others with the same love, patience, and kindness you desire. A good friend practices empathy and understanding, valuing others’ needs as their own. Friendship thrives when selflessness replaces selfishness. When we act in love, we reflect the heart of Christ. This verse calls us to be intentional in how we care for others—offering forgiveness, encouragement, and respect. Friendships built on mutual love and kindness endure because they’re rooted in God’s eternal principle of grace.
31. Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Unity is the fruit of godly friendship. This verse celebrates the peace and joy that come from harmony among believers. A good friend values reconciliation, not rivalry. When friends live in unity, their relationship becomes a testimony of God’s goodness. True friendship seeks understanding over argument and forgiveness over pride. Harmony brings strength to both the heart and the community. God delights in friendships that foster unity and reflect His peace. When love rules, division fades, and friendship becomes a reflection of heaven’s perfect fellowship.
32. Proverbs 27:10
“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not.”
This verse reminds us to value long-term friendships. A good friend is not disposable but cherished through seasons of change. Godly loyalty stands the test of time and distance. True friendship requires effort and gratitude—it grows stronger with care and consistency. Faithful friends become family, sharing in our joys and sorrows. God blesses those who treasure relationships built on trust and integrity. Never take for granted the friends who have walked with you in faith. Cherish them as gifts from God, for genuine friendship is a rare and lasting treasure.
33. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
Good friends share both laughter and tears. This verse captures the heart of empathy—rejoicing in blessings and comforting in pain. True friendship celebrates your victories without jealousy and stands beside you in sorrow without complaint. God calls us to walk with our friends in every emotion, reflecting His compassion. Friendship thrives when hearts are sensitive and understanding. When we celebrate and grieve together, love deepens, and trust grows. Such friendships reveal the beauty of Christ’s love—constant, compassionate, and unselfish.
34. Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
Paul’s words express the gratitude that flows from true friendship. A good friend is a blessing worth thanking God for. Their love, prayers, and encouragement bring light into our lives. This verse reminds us to appreciate those who make our faith journey sweeter. Remembering good friends with prayer and gratitude strengthens bonds and honors God’s goodness. Every friendship rooted in Christ is a divine appointment—an expression of His love through human hearts. Gratitude keeps friendships alive and joyful, turning companionship into continual worship.
35. John 15:15
“Henceforth I call you not servants… but I have called you friends.”
The ultimate model of friendship is found in Jesus. He calls us friends, not servants, showing that divine love is personal and intimate. This verse reveals the depth of God’s relationship with His people—built on trust, communication, and shared purpose. As Christ’s friends, we are invited into His truth and mission. His perfect friendship teaches us to love without fear, forgive without limit, and serve without pride. Knowing Jesus as our truest Friend empowers us to reflect His love in all our relationships.
Conclusion
The Bible paints a beautiful picture of friendship rooted in love, loyalty, and truth. A good friend is one of God’s most precious gifts—a companion who walks beside you in faith, encourages you in weakness, and rejoices with you in victory. These verses remind us that genuine friendship reflects the character of Christ: selfless, steadfast, and forgiving.
Good friends sharpen our character, pray with us, and remind us of God’s promises when our hearts grow weary. They speak truth in love, offering correction when needed and comfort when life becomes heavy. True friendship is not built on convenience but on covenant—a bond strengthened by prayer, humility, and grace.
God calls us to cherish and nurture these relationships. Just as iron sharpens iron, good friends shape our faith and strengthen our walk with the Lord. And when we extend love, forgiveness, and understanding, we reflect Jesus—the greatest Friend who laid down His life for ours.
As you meditate on these Scriptures, take time to thank God for the faithful friends in your life. Pray for wisdom to be that same kind of friend—loyal, humble, and Christ-centered. In every godly friendship, there lies a glimpse of divine love, reminding us that we were never meant to walk alone. True friends are God’s way of surrounding us with His grace and presence through human hearts.
