Friendship quotes from the Bible capture insights of the joys and camaraderie in friendships, the pain of losing a soul-friend, betrayal of friends, and Jesus' definition of a friend.
Quotations About Great Friendship, David and Jonathan
The book of Samuel provides the greatest friendship of all-time, David and Jonathan. David was the shepherd boy who killed Goliath and who eventually succeeded Saul as the king of Israel. Jonathan was King Saul's son.
"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself… And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." ~1 Samuel 18: 1-3
When Saul pursues David, Jonathan protected him. "The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh." ~1 Samuel 23: 18
Quotes About Friend in Need
When Job was prosperous he had great expectations from his friends. During his lowest moments, his friends disappointed him. This event in Job's life provides an insight, that those who rely on people often will be disappointed while those who put their confidence in God will have help in time of need. Job was heavily burdened as his friends assumed wrong his iniquity.
"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty." ~Job 6: 14
Quotes About False Friends, Betrayal and Slander
The prophet Jeremiah wept and wished that he might awaken people's sensitivity to God as they have accustomed their tongues to lies. A friend can no longer be trusted. In trading, they say anything for their own advantage.
"Friend deceives friend, and no-one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me." ~Jeremiah 9: 5-6
A betrayal of a friend can be very painful. It can well happen in the fellowship of fellow believers. The psalmist declares his deep hurt from once a happy and great relationship. The true Christian must also expect trials from professed friends in church, and accept the fact that it will be painful.
The psalmist cries, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God." ~Psalms 55: 12-14
Quotations About Grief Over Loss of a Close Friend
David the shepherd by, and future king of Israel laments the death of his soul-mate and greatest friend, Jonathan. He cries, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me…" ~2 Samuel 1: 26
The psalmist in this quote is afflicted, sad and weak in faith. Sometimes even those who deeply believe in God experience a down syndrome, feeling the weariness of day to day existence and challenges that go with living. The writer of Psalm describes his own feelings. He calls to look upon God the Almighty and bemoans, "You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief." ~Psalms 88: 8-9
Quotes on Jesus' Definition of a Friend
In the passage of the Book of John, Chapter 15, Jesus refers to himself as "I am" and also tells his disciples that he is the "true vine." Jesus, the great teacher, has long conversations with people about who he is and what God sent him to do. The Bible includes many teachings for Christians, including lessons about relationships and life.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." ~John 15: 12-14
Readers may find friendship quotes insightful may also want to check out Friendship Quotes from the Wisdom of Famous Writers, Life Quotes from the Bible and Hope Quotes and Sayings from the Bible.
Source:
- Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV) © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
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