In the Bible, the concept of friendship is highly valued and is often depicted through various relationships that exemplify loyalty, love, and mutual support. The term "best friends" may not be explicitly used in the Scriptures, but the essence of such relationships is evident in several key biblical narratives.

Jonathan and David

One of the most notable examples of best friends in the Bible is the relationship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king of Israel. Their friendship is characterized by deep loyalty and selflessness. In 1 Samuel 18:1-3 , it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." This covenantal friendship is further demonstrated when Jonathan protects David from Saul's wrath, even at the risk of his own life (1 Samuel 20).

Ruth and Naomi

Another profound example of friendship is found in the relationship between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. However, Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is unwavering. Ruth 1:16-17 records Ruth's declaration: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried." Ruth's commitment to Naomi exemplifies the steadfast love and dedication that characterize true friendship.

Job and His Friends

The Book of Job presents a complex picture of friendship. Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, initially come to comfort him in his suffering. Job 2:11 states, "Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his own place... They met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him." However, their subsequent dialogues reveal misunderstandings and accusations, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities inherent in friendship.

Jesus and His Disciples

In the New Testament, Jesus' relationship with His disciples offers insights into the nature of friendship. In John 15:13-15 , Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." Here, Jesus elevates the disciples from servants to friends, emphasizing the intimacy and mutual knowledge that define true friendship.

Proverbs on Friendship

The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the qualities of a good friend. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This highlights the constancy and support that characterize genuine friendship. Additionally, Proverbs 27:17 notes, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," suggesting that true friends challenge and refine each other.

Conclusion

The Bible presents friendship as a sacred bond characterized by love, loyalty, and mutual edification. Through the examples of Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi, and the teachings of Jesus, Scripture provides a model for what it means to be a best friend, emphasizing the virtues of selflessness, commitment, and spiritual growth.Proverbs 18:24
A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Topicalbible.org

John 15:13
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Topicalbible.org

In the House of Kimberker
... in common, was gone. Only two or three of his best friends remained, and
these were scattered through the city. He saw them for ...
/.../chapter vi in the house.htm

The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... In his great sorrow he wished to have his best friends near him, that he might lean
on them, and draw from their love a little strength for his hour of bitter ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter i the humanheartedness of.htm

Gethsemane
... Thy best friends are asleep about thee when most thou needest their comfort; thy
treasurer, Judas, is hastening to betray thee for the price of a common slave. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... to judge how much assistance she should offer, if any, to the friends she visits ...
other circumstances it might be an act of the kindest and best politeness to ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

Loyal to the Core
... These people expect more from their friends than they ought to give. A man's
best friends on earth ought to be his own strong arms. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/loyal to the core.htm

The Transfiguration.
... On earth He had found incredulity among His best friends; incapacity to
see why He should die; indifference to His object here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the transfiguration.htm

External Foes.
... It may be very legitimate in its place"like fire, which, in its place, is one of
the best friends of man; out of place, is one of the worst enemies of man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part iii external foes.htm

Forgiveness and Retribution.
... He said: "If you have anyone who takes any interest in your spiritual welfare,
treat them kindly, for they are the best friends you have. ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vii forgiveness and retribution.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... afflicted, nor load the heavy laden, but who keep the temple of Janus shut by peaceable
and quiet tempers; [128] who make not only the best friends, but the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm

The Strife for Precedence.
... conduct to the meanest possible motive. It is a policy that makes a man
afraid of his best friends. He feels that every draft he ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse iii the strife for.htm

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