What is a friend?

First of all, I'd like to thank Jane Freund, the author of the Bible study The Fine Art of Female Friendships, for allowing me the privilege to blog about the study.

I thought I start this post off with one of my favorite friendship songs. It was used as the theme song for one of my favorite shows, The Golden Girls. I used to watch the show with one of my favorite older friends, my grandmother.


What is a friend? Here are a few definitions -

1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement

I would define a friend as someone who is kind and caring. A friend is there when you need them. A friend gives encouragement and support. A friend is someone with whom you can share your deepest thoughts. You can be open and honest with them.

But what does the Bible have to say about friendship?

Bible verses for a good friendship -

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

Proverbs 27:6 -
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:10 -
Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 -
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone
when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Amos 3:3 -
Do two walk together,
unless they have agreed to meet?

John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

The Bible sees friendship as being there through the good and bad times. A good friend is honest, both in character and conversation. A true friend does not give up or abandon you. A friend is there to pick you up when you fall - physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. A friend agrees to be a friend.

Frienship with Feet -
How about letting a friend know how much you appreciate them? Maybe give them a call, send a card or a note, buy a little gift of appreciation or do them a favor?