“A good friend does every thing to protect its friendship.”
― Jay Doll
Friendship is a vital part of human life and is highly valued in the Bible. Scripture shows friendships built on trust, loyalty, and mutual support. These relationships provided a sense of belonging, encouragement, and strength in adversity.
“Friends will always be there for the party. REAL friends will be there after the party…”
― Bray Love
One of the most famous examples of friendship in the Bible is the friendship between David and Jonathan. Their company was based on mutual respect and loyalty, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, where Jonathan “loved David as himself” and made a covenant with him. This friendship was so strong that when Jonathan’s father, King Saul, became jealous of David, Jonathan stood by David and warned him of Saul’s plans.
Another example of friendship in the Bible is the friendship of Ruth and Naomi. In the book of Ruth, we see how Ruth’s loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, was a source of comfort and strength for Naomi during a difficult time. Ruth’s words in Ruth 1:16-17, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”, demonstrate the depth of their friendship and the love that they had for each other. Are you a source of comfort and strength to your friends in their time of need?
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity,” highlighting the importance of having friends who will stick by us in difficult times. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 also speaks to the value of friendship, saying, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”.
In addition, the Bible also talks about the importance of choosing friends wisely. Proverbs 12:26 says, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray,” reminding us to be mindful of the company we keep and to surround ourselves with people who will support and encourage us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that friendship is a precious gift that should be cherished and nurtured. By building friendships based on trust, loyalty, and mutual support, we can find strength and encouragement in the face of adversity and be a source of comfort and joy for others. Let us choose our friends wisely and be faithful friends to those dear to us.
“Life chooses your acquaintances, but you must choose your friends. My advice: choose wisely!”
― Sebastien Richard
Scriptures about the importance of choosing friendships wisely
- Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
- John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
- Proverbs 18:24: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
- Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
- Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
These verses from the Bible illustrate the need to choose friends wisely to influence our lives positively. Friendships built on trust, loyalty, and mutual support provide a sense of belonging, encouragement, and strength in the face of adversity.
“Always make an effort to be around people who will help you grow.”
― Joyce Rachelle
Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke, you can find all my podcasts via hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify. Please subscribe to this blog, so you can get my latest posts. Let’s connect via LinkedIn! P.S. visit our African Fashion Accessories store and support this blog.
