Scripture offers us wise counsel in choosing friends. Here are verses that show how friends, chosen with care, become our greatest source of love, healing, joy, and encouragement.
Some young people, parents and friends during a Faith and Light camp in Cesenatico (photo from Ombre e Luci archives)
On Friends
A friend loves at all times, and is born as a brother in adversity. Proverbs 17:17
There are companions who lead to ruin, but also friends more devoted than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Perfume and incense gladden the heart; the sweetness of friendship revives the soul. Proverbs 27:9
As one face differs from another, so human hearts differ from one another. Proverbs 27:19
Many call themselves loyal, but who can find a trustworthy friend? Proverbs 20:6
On Friendship
Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the power to help. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, come back tomorrow; I will give it then," if you have it now. Proverbs 3:27–28
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12
Whoever conceals an offense promotes friendship, but whoever gossips about it divides friends. Proverbs 17:9
The one who isolates himself pursues selfish desires and rebels against all sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:1
Let loyalty and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Proverbs 3:3–4
Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another. Proverbs 27:17
You Are No Friend If...
Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are abandoned even by their one friend. Proverbs 19:4
Many curry favor with a generous person, and everyone is a friend to those who give gifts. Proverbs 19:6
Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Proverbs 3:29
Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Proverbs 27:10
Like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. Proverbs 25:18
The Marks of True Friendship
Better is a nearby friend than a distant brother. Proverbs 27:10
Better is open rebuke than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:5–6
The mark of integrity is kindness, but better a poor person than a liar. Proverbs 19:22
The one who gains sense loves themselves and those who cherish understanding thrive. Proverbs 19:8
