Topical Encyclopedia Friendship is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the importance of relationships grounded in love, loyalty, and mutual support. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of true friendship, offering guidance on how to cultivate and maintain these bonds in a manner that honors God.Proverbs on Friendship The Book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom on the nature of friendship. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse highlights the constancy and reliability expected in true friendship, emphasizing that a genuine friend remains steadfast through life's challenges. Proverbs 18:24 further elaborates, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother." This suggests that while numerous acquaintances may surround a person, a true friend is distinguished by their closeness and unwavering support. Friendship and Loyalty Loyalty is a cornerstone of biblical friendship. In 1 Samuel 18:1-3, the friendship between David and Jonathan exemplifies this virtue. Their bond is described as one where "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Jonathan's loyalty to David, even at the cost of his own future as heir to the throne, underscores the selflessness inherent in true friendship. Friendship and Counsel The Bible also speaks to the role of friends in providing wise counsel. Proverbs 27:9 states, "Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul." This verse illustrates the refreshing and uplifting nature of a friend's advice, likening it to the pleasantness of fragrant oils and incense. Additionally, Proverbs 27:17 declares, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This metaphor emphasizes the mutual benefit and growth that result from friends challenging and encouraging each other in their walk with God. Friendship and Love Love is the foundation of biblical friendship. Jesus Christ, in John 15:13 , articulates the ultimate expression of love in friendship: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This sacrificial love is the model for Christian friendship, reflecting the love Christ has for humanity. Warnings About Friendship The Bible also provides warnings about the potential pitfalls in friendships. 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This serves as a reminder to choose friends wisely, as their influence can significantly impact one's moral and spiritual life. Friendship with God Finally, the Scriptures speak of the possibility of friendship with God. James 2:23 refers to Abraham as "a friend of God," highlighting the intimate relationship that can exist between God and those who walk in faith and obedience. This divine friendship is the ultimate model for human relationships, characterized by trust, loyalty, and love. In summary, the Bible presents friendship as a vital and enriching aspect of life, offering guidance on how to nurture these relationships in a way that reflects God's love and wisdom. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 13:6-9If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, which is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, you, nor your fathers; Nave's Topical Index Job 6:14,15 Job 16:2,20 Job 19:13-22 Psalm 35:13,14 Psalm 41:9 Psalm 55:12-14 Psalm 88:8,18 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 17:9,17 Proverbs 18:24 Proverbs 22:24-27 Proverbs 25:17,19 Proverbs 27:6,9,10,14,17,19 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Amos 3:3 2 Timothy 4:16 Library General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ... General Index. The General Conference of 1820 The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The General Conference of 1836 General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. Resources Friendship ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the relationship between David and Jonathan? | GotQuestions.org How can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.org Friendship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Friendship: Daniel and his Three Companions Friendship: David and Abiathar Friendship: David and Jonathan Friendship: General Scriptures Concerning Friendship: Job and his Three "Friends" Friendship: Luke and Theophilus Friendship: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, With Jesus Friendship: Paul and his Nephew Friendship: Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila Friendship: Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus Friendship: The Marys, and Joseph of Arimathaea, for Jesus Related Terms |