Friendship is one of the most cherished gifts we can experience in life. It brings joy in good times, comfort in sorrow, and strength in challenges. But not all friendships are equal, and choosing the right friends can shape our spiritual and emotional well-being.
The King James Version of the Bible provides us with enduring wisdom about what it means to be a true friend and how godly friendships reflect God’s love and guidance.
Whether you’re seeking encouragement, healing, or a deeper understanding of how to be a better friend, these carefully selected King James Version Bible verses about friendship will inspire and uplift you.
1. Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Explanation:
This verse highlights the loyalty and steadfast love of a true friend. Unlike superficial relationships, genuine friendship endures through both joy and hardship. It reminds us that real friends don’t disappear when times get tough—they become like family.
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Explanation:
These verses show the practical strength of companionship. Friendship provides support, encouragement, and accountability. God designed us to live in connection with others—not in isolation.
3. John 15:13
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Explanation:
Here, Jesus speaks of the ultimate expression of friendship: sacrificial love. True friends are willing to put others first, even at personal cost. This verse also reflects Christ’s love for us.
4. Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Explanation:
Good friends help us grow. They challenge us to be better and strengthen us spiritually and emotionally. This verse encourages surrounding ourselves with people who refine and uplift us.
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Explanation:
Friendship involves mutual encouragement and building one another up. God wants our relationships to be sources of strength, filled with words and actions that inspire hope.
6. Proverbs 18:24
Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Explanation:
This verse teaches that to have good friends, we must be friendly ourselves. It also speaks of the unique bond of a godly friend—one who may be even more loyal than family.
7. Job 2:11
Job 2:11
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place… for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
Explanation:
True friends show up in times of grief. Job’s friends initially came with compassion to support him in his pain. Their presence reminds us of the healing power of simply being there for someone.
8. Romans 12:10
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes kindness and mutual respect in relationships. Friendship rooted in love and humility honors others and strengthens the bond between believers.
9. Colossians 3:13
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Explanation:
No friendship is perfect, and forgiveness is key. This verse encourages patience and grace in our relationships, just as we have received from Christ.
10. Proverbs 22:24-25
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, and get a snare to thy soul.
Explanation:
This is a caution about who we choose as friends. Our companions influence us, so we must be careful to build relationships with those who reflect godly character.
11. James 4:4
James 4:4
Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Explanation:
This verse challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Friendships that pull us away from God are harmful to our spiritual health. We must seek connections that bring us closer to Him.
12. Proverbs 27:6
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Explanation:
True friends are honest—even when the truth is hard to hear. This verse reminds us that loving correction is better than false flattery.
13. 1 Samuel 18:1
1 Samuel 18:1
And it came to pass… that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Explanation:
This verse beautifully captures the deep, loyal bond between David and Jonathan. Their friendship was rooted in trust, loyalty, and shared faith—a powerful model for us today.
14. Galatians 6:2
Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Explanation:
Helping one another through life’s challenges is a key part of Christian friendship. When we share the load, we live out the love Christ taught.
15. Luke 6:31
Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Explanation:
This well-known verse, often called the Golden Rule, encourages empathy and fairness in relationships. True friendship thrives when we treat others as we wish to be treated.
Final Thoughts on Friendship in the Bible
These King James Version Bible verses about friendship give us a clear, heartfelt understanding of what true friendship looks like from God’s perspective. A friend is more than someone to have fun with—they’re a companion in life’s journey, a source of spiritual support, and a reflection of God’s love.
Friendship that honors God is built on truth, love, forgiveness, and shared faith. Let these verses encourage you to cherish the good friends you have, seek out friendships that uplift your spirit, and strive to be the kind of friend that Scripture describes.
Which verse spoke to your heart the most?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your favorite Bible verse about friendship, personal stories, or reflections in the comments below. Let’s grow together in faith and friendship.