12 Bible Verses About Bad Friends

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about bad friends

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about bad friends:

1. Proverbs 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
2. Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
4. Proverbs 18:24 – “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
5. Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
6. Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

7. Proverbs 16:28 – “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
8. Proverbs 19:4 – “Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”
9. Proverbs 19:6 – “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.”
10. Proverbs 19:7 – “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.”
11. Proverbs 19:20 – “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
12. Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

What does the bible say about bad friends?

The Bible warns against having bad friends who can lead us astray from God’s path.

It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will encourage us in our faith and help us grow spiritually.

Bad friends can influence us negatively, leading us into sin and causing us harm.

It is important to choose our friends wisely and to seek out relationships that will build us up and strengthen our relationship with God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about bad friends?

1. Proverbs 1 – This chapter provides wisdom on avoiding the influence of bad friends and the consequences of following them.

2. Proverbs 13 – This chapter highlights the importance of choosing wise friends and the negative impact of associating with foolish individuals.

3. Proverbs 16 – This chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from wise friends and avoiding those who lead you astray.

4. 1 Corinthians 15 – This chapter discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with good company and the impact of bad friends on your spiritual growth.

5. 2 Corinthians 6 – This chapter encourages believers to separate themselves from ungodly influences and to choose friends who will encourage them in their faith journey.

These chapters are relevant to understanding the importance of choosing good friends and the negative consequences of associating with bad influences. They provide guidance on how to discern between wise and foolish friends and the impact that friendships can have on one’s spiritual well-being.

Ideas and concepts related to bad friends that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Influence: The Bible warns against the negative influence of bad friends, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with godly companions who will uplift and encourage one another (Proverbs 13:20). Bad friends can lead us astray from our faith and values, influencing us to make poor decisions and engage in sinful behavior.

2. Loyalty: The concept of loyalty is also discussed in the Bible in relation to friendships. Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Bad friends may lack loyalty and may betray or abandon us when we need them the most, causing hurt and disappointment.

3. Accountability: The Bible emphasizes the importance of holding one another accountable in friendships. Galatians 6:1-2 encourages believers to gently restore those who have fallen into sin and to bear one another’s burdens. Bad friends may fail to hold us accountable for our actions, allowing us to continue in destructive behaviors without correction or guidance.

4. Wisdom: The Bible teaches the value of seeking wisdom and discernment in choosing our friends. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against associating with angry and deceitful individuals, as their negative traits may rub off on us. Bad friends may lack wisdom and discernment, leading us into harmful situations and relationships.

In summary, the Bible highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly, loyal, accountable, and wise friends who will positively influence us and help us grow in our faith. Bad friends, on the other hand, can lead us astray, lack loyalty, fail to hold us accountable, and lack wisdom, ultimately hindering our spiritual growth and well-being.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.