5 Verses in Proverbs about Friendship

We can find wisdom about friendship in many verses of the Bible, but today, we find it in the Book of Proverbs.

Search Proverbs for Verses about Friendship

     Whether we want to be a better friend, need a friend, are concerned about a friend, or need wisdom about friendship, we can always turn to God’s Word for wisdom.  There are many verses in the Bible about friendship, however I found five verses in the Book of Proverbs for our wisdom today.  Let’s ponder them together briefly.

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

     Sometimes when we feel we don’t have any friends, we need to ask ourselves if we are being friends or friendly to those around us.  The words in Proverbs 18:24 remind us that if we aren’t finding many friends around us, that maybe we are not being very open and friendly towards others.

     At times, we ache for friendship, but we are subconsciously without meaning to pushing people away.  We may not act friendly or look friendly, when we are hurting or angry.  We may keep to ourselves and not openly show kindness to others.

     However, if we show kindness to others and are friendly, we will connect with others and find a friend.  Often, when we find a very good, God-given friend, that friend is even closer to us than family.

Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

     We learn through the words in Proverbs 17:17 that a true friend loves us during all times.  A true friend loves us during good times and bad.  They share in our joyful times as well as in our sorrowful times.  A true friend will be there for us when we are struggling, even if we don’t have anything to give in return.

Proverbs 27:9 (KJV)

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

     Smells and scents can be very powerful.  Bad scents can be offensive, yet other scents can be joyful, uplifting, and refreshing.  There may be a scent that reminds you of joyful memories, time with family, or a refreshing vacation.  There are calming scents and exciting scents.
 
     We see in Proverbs 27:9 that counsel of a godly friend can bring us the same sort of joy.  When we discuss a worry or disclose a trouble to a true friend, we often feel better.  Even if the friend doesn’t have any answers for us, that friend can encourage us to bring it to God, help us feel heard or acknowledged, and show us empathy.  A friend will often pray with us and help us to know that we are not alone.

Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

     Sometimes in today’s world, we “chase shiny things”.  We have clouded judgment when we fall for the deception, like shallow flattery or manipulative deceit disguised as kindness, from an enemy. 

     When we are vulnerable, we may be confused enough to believe these deceptions over the solemn truth told to us by a friend.  Yet, a close friend will tell us the truth, even convict us with God’s Word in a godly way, even if it may hurt us to some extent to hear it.

     In Proverbs 27:6, we see that a true friend isn’t afraid to do what is best for us or to tell us the truth, even if it hurts.  A godly friend won’t give us shallow words or flattery and won’t try to deceive or manipulate us.

Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

     Psalms 27:17 is similar to Proverbs 27:6.  It reminds us that a true, godly friend will truly want what is best for us.  A true friend will encourage us to do God’s will and chastise us in a godly way if we are straying. 

     It may seem cold, pushy, judgmental, or uncomfortable, however if a true friend has our best interest at heart, we would benefit by at least considering and praying about the words of the friend. 

     A godly friend wants us to be close to God, have faith and hope.  He or she will pray for us, sit with us, and remind us of God’s love and promises.

     Before we get upset with a friend for “being harsh”, we may want to stop and consider if there isn’t more truth to their words than we care to admit.

A Final Thought on Friendship

     There are many verses in the Bible, including these from Proverbs that give us a yardstick by which we can measure our friendships.  Are they true or are they one-sided?  Are our friends real friends?  Do they do they measure up to words about friendship in the Bible?  Are we being that kind of friend as well?

     I pray that you are a godly friend and have godly friends around you.  If not, please remember that Jesus is our friend.  He loves us.  Also, pray for godly friends and pray that God shows you the way to be a godly friend.  God bless.

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Hi friends!  I'm Jodi!

Sharer of...

Faith, Education, Creativity, and Encouragement!

     I am a life-long Christian and learner, as well as an avid Bible reader.  I enjoy sharing my faith and creating products and services that will help you in your Christian journey.  God bless!