True friendship is one of life’s most meaningful blessings. A real friend is someone who walks with us through joy and sorrow, speaks truth in love, and encourages us to grow closer to God. In a world where connections can often feel shallow or fleeting, the Bible provides deep wisdom on what it means to be a true friend and how to recognize one.
God created us for community. He knows that we need people in our lives who will support, challenge, and walk with us in faith. From the unbreakable bond between David and Jonathan to Jesus calling His disciples friends, Scripture reveals the powerful beauty of true friendship rooted in loyalty, trust, and godly love.
Here are 15 Bible verses about a true friend, each with a short explanation to help you reflect on the kind of friend you are—and the kind of friends you seek.
1. Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Explanation:
True friendship doesn’t come and go with circumstances. A real friend remains constant, offering love and support through every season of life.
2. John 15:13
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Explanation:
Jesus described the highest form of love—sacrifice. A true friend is willing to give, serve, and even suffer for the good of the other.
3. Proverbs 18:24
Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Explanation:
Not all friendships are the same. This verse highlights that true friends are rare and deeply loyal—closer than family at times.
4. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that friendship provides strength, support, and rescue in times of need. Life is richer and safer when walked with a true friend.
5. 1 Samuel 18:1
1 Samuel 18:1
Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.
Explanation:
The friendship between Jonathan and David is one of the Bible’s clearest examples of loyalty and deep connection. They truly cared for each other’s well-being.
6. Job 6:14
Job 6:14
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Explanation:
True friendship includes kindness and compassion. This verse shows that abandoning a friend in their pain is not just unkind—it’s spiritually wrong.
7. Galatians 6:2
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation:
A real friend helps lighten your load. This verse calls us to support one another in love, just as Christ supports us.
8. Proverbs 27:9
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Explanation:
Good friends offer more than fun—they offer wisdom. This verse celebrates the joy and value of friends who speak truth in love.
9. Colossians 3:13
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Explanation:
No friendship is perfect. This verse teaches that true friends practice forgiveness and patience, just as God shows us grace.
10. Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Explanation:
True friends challenge and refine each other. A godly friend will encourage growth, correction, and accountability with love.
11. Romans 12:10
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Explanation:
A real friend puts others first. This verse encourages loyalty, humility, and selfless love within our friendships.
12. James 5:16
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Explanation:
True friendship creates a safe space for honesty and healing. Friends pray for each other and help one another walk in freedom.
13. Proverbs 27:6
Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Explanation:
A real friend will tell you the hard truth when needed—not to hurt, but to help. Flattery from someone who doesn’t care about you is empty.
14. Hebrews 10:24-25
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.
Explanation:
Friends should inspire each other to live for God. This verse shows that true friends help each other stay strong in faith and purpose.
15. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Explanation:
True friends speak words that lift up, not tear down. This verse reminds us to be a source of encouragement and strength in each other’s lives.
Final Thoughts: Be the Friend You Hope to Find
True friendship is a rare treasure. These Bible verses about a true friend reveal that real friendship is built on love, loyalty, truth, grace, and spiritual support. It’s more than emotional connection—it’s a commitment to walk beside one another in every season of life.
If you have a friend like that, thank God for them. If you’re searching for one, let God’s Word guide your heart in becoming the kind of friend who reflects Christ’s love.
Which verse stood out to you the most? Do you have a story of true friendship shaped by faith? Share your thoughts or favorite Bible verses about a true friend in the comments—we’d love to hear from you and grow together in love and friendship.