In the biblical account, a true friend is one who loves and supports another through life's joys and challenges. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the nature of friendship, noting that a friend loves at all times and that perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, just as the fellowship of friends brings joy to life. Jesus Himself sets the standard for ultimate friendship, demonstrating the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends, as seen in John 15:13. Through such relationships, individuals can sharpen and encourage one another, as Proverbs 27:17 suggests, fostering a deep and lasting bond.
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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
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! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
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.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.