27 Bible Verses About Bad Friends (With Commentary)
The people we surround ourselves with can greatly influence our lives, either positively or negatively. The Bible addresses the importance of choosing friends wisely and offers guidance on identifying and navigating toxic friendships.
Today, we explore Bible verses that shed light on the characteristics of bad friends and provide wisdom for cultivating healthy, supportive relationships.
Bible Verses About Bad Friends
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Choosing our friends wisely is crucial. This verse advises us to associate with the wise, as their influence can positively shape our lives. Conversely, being in the company of foolish individuals can lead to harm and negative consequences.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This verse reminds us to be cautious about the company we keep. Surrounding ourselves with those who possess questionable character or engage in harmful behaviors can influence and corrupt our own values and actions.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This passage warns against forging friendships with individuals who have a quick temper. Their anger and impulsive behavior can negatively impact our own temperament and lead us into troublesome situations.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing friends who positively contribute to our growth and development. Just as iron sharpens iron, surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who challenge, encourage, and inspire us can lead to personal and spiritual growth.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises us to distance ourselves from fools, as their words and actions lack wisdom and understanding. Associating with them hinders our own pursuit of knowledge and can lead us astray from the truth.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of selecting our friends wisely. The righteous exercise discernment in their choice of companions, recognizing that the company of the wicked can influence them negatively and lead them away from righteousness.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse reminds us of the detrimental effects of associating with individuals who engage in perverse behavior or spread gossip. Their actions lead to conflict and can even damage close friendships.
Proverbs 19:4
“Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.”
This verse highlights the fickle nature of friendships based solely on material wealth. True friends remain steadfast, regardless of one’s financial status, while false friends may abandon those in need.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse reminds us of the consequences of relying on friends who prove to be unreliable and untrustworthy. However, it also offers hope by acknowledging the existence of true friends who remain faithful and supportive.
Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating purity of heart and gracious speech. It suggests that such qualities can open doors to influential and meaningful friendships, even with those in positions of power.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the significance of genuine friendship that endures through both good and challenging times. True friends offer unwavering support and comfort, acting as a source of strength during times of adversity.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse underscores the value of true friends who provide honest feedback, even if it involves delivering uncomfortable truths. Genuine friends prioritize our growth and well-being over superficial pleasantries.
Proverbs 16:29
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
This verse warns against the influence of violent or aggressive individuals who can lure others into engaging in harmful behaviors. Such friendships lead down destructive paths and should be avoided.
Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
This verse highlights the blessedness of those who choose not to align themselves with the wicked, sinners, or mockers. Instead, they find joy and fulfillment in following God’s ways and surrounding themselves with righteous influences.
Proverbs 9:6
“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
This verse encourages us to distance ourselves from simple-mindedness and embrace wisdom and discernment. By seeking understanding and aligning ourselves with those who possess insight, we can experience a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse emphasizes the value of a friend who offers heartfelt and wise advice. Their counsel brings joy and refreshment to the soul, just like the pleasing fragrance of perfume or incense.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse reminds us of the impact our friends have on our lives. Just as water reflects our face, our choices, actions, and character reflect the influence of those we associate with. It emphasizes the need to surround ourselves with positive influences to shape a righteous life.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
This verse draws a parallel between a wise son who heeds his father’s instruction and a mocker who rejects correction. It highlights the importance of humility and teachability, as a refusal to accept rebukes can hinder personal growth and maturity.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
This verse reiterates the idea that genuine friends provide constructive criticism and correction, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. In contrast, false friends may shower insincere affection while harboring harmful intentions.
Proverbs 12:26
“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse underscores the impact of our associations on our own lives and those around us. The righteous act as guides, leading others toward righteousness, while the wicked can influence and lead others astray.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse cautions against befriending individuals who habitually gossip and betray confidences. Engaging in such relationships can lead to broken trust and unnecessary conflicts.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse highlights the importance of cultivating trustworthiness in friendships. True friends respect and honor confidential information, strengthening the bond of trust between them.
Proverbs 29:5
“Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.”
This verse warns against the danger of false flattery. Friends who excessively praise and manipulate can have ulterior motives, using their words to trap and deceive others.
Proverbs 18:1
“An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and defies all sound judgment.”
This verse exposes the destructive nature of self-centered and unfriendly individuals. Their actions and decisions disregard wisdom and harm both themselves and those around them.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This passage advises against forming friendships with those who have a quick temper. The influence of their anger can lead others into adopting similar behaviors, resulting in entanglement in harmful patterns.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse urges caution in associating with fools, as their words lack wisdom and understanding. Choosing not to engage with them protects us from being misled or influenced by their ignorance.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in friendships. True friends choose to cover and forgive offenses, fostering love and unity. However, those who continually bring up past offenses create division and harm the bonds of friendship.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the value of mutually beneficial friendships. Just as iron is sharpened by contact with another piece of iron, friends who challenge, encourage, and inspire one another can enhance each other’s growth and character.
Proverbs 24:21-22
“Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?”
This verse advises against aligning oneself with rebellious and corrupt individuals in positions of power. Their actions can lead to devastating consequences and unforeseen calamities. Instead, it encourages fear and reverence for the Lord and lawful authorities.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing wise companions who can positively influence our lives. Associating with the wise leads to growth and wisdom, while befriending fools can lead to harm and negative consequences.
What does the Bible say About Bad Friends?
The Bible offers several warnings and pieces of advice regarding friendships. It cautions against forming close bonds with individuals who may lead one astray morally or spiritually.
Proverbs, in particular, contains numerous verses that highlight the importance of choosing friends wisely. It advises seeking companions who are wise, godly, and have good character, while avoiding those who may influence negatively or lead one down a destructive path.
For instance, Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) states, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This verse suggests that the company one keeps can significantly impact their character and behavior. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” This passage reinforces the idea that the people one associates with can have a profound influence on their beliefs and actions.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages believers to surround themselves with individuals who uplift and support their faith and moral values, while being cautious of forming close relationships with those who may lead them away from God’s teachings.
