The company we keep has a profound impact on our spiritual lives, as the Bible teaches that our friendships can either uplift or undermine our faith. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on this topic, cautioning that "he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20). Similarly, 1 Corinthians warns that "bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33), emphasizing the need for discernment in our relationships. Proverbs also encourages us to cultivate friendships that sharpen and refine us, as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17), and to be a loyal friend, as "a friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). By choosing friends wisely, we can build strong, supportive relationships that help us grow in our walk with God.
14 Bible Verses on Choosing Friends
14 verses
Relevance Score
29%
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.