12 Bible Verses About False Friends

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about false friends

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about false friends:

1. Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
2. Proverbs 18:24 – “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
3. 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.”
4. Psalm 41:9 – “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”
5. Proverbs 19:4 – “Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.”
6. Proverbs 16:28 – “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

7. Psalm 55:12-14 – “For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”
8. Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
9. Proverbs 27:9 – “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”
10. Proverbs 29:5 – “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.”
11. Matthew 26:48-50 – “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
12. Luke 22:47-48 – “And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”

What does the bible say about false friends?

The Bible warns against false friends, describing them as deceitful, untrustworthy, and harmful.

It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine, loyal companions who will offer support, encouragement, and love.

The consequences of being deceived by false friends are highlighted, as they can lead to betrayal, heartache, and negative influences.

The Bible encourages discernment in relationships and urges believers to seek out genuine friendships based on honesty, loyalty, and mutual respect.

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

1. Proverbs 27 – This chapter contains several verses that discuss the nature of friendship, including the concept of false friends who may betray or deceive you.

2. Psalm 55 – This chapter describes the experience of being betrayed by a close friend, highlighting the pain and disappointment that can come from trusting someone who turns out to be false.

3. Matthew 26 – This chapter includes the story of Judas betraying Jesus, illustrating the ultimate example of a false friend. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of betrayal and the importance of discerning true friends from false ones.

Reading these chapters can provide insight into the characteristics and consequences of false friendships, helping individuals to recognize and navigate these relationships in their own lives.

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

1. Deception: The concept of deception is prevalent throughout the Bible, with numerous warnings about false prophets, false teachers, and deceitful individuals who may lead others astray. False friends can also deceive and betray us, leading us down a path of destruction.

2. Betrayal: Betrayal is another common theme in the Bible, with stories of individuals like Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus and King David being betrayed by his close advisor, Ahithophel. False friends can betray our trust and loyalty, causing us pain and heartache.

3. Loyalty: The Bible emphasizes the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, highlighting the value of true friends who stick by our side through thick and thin. False friends lack loyalty and may abandon us when we need them the most.

4. Discernment: The Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment and wisdom in their relationships, being cautious of those who may have ulterior motives or deceitful intentions. Discernment is crucial in identifying false friends and protecting ourselves from their harmful influence.

Overall, the concepts of deception, betrayal, loyalty, and discernment are closely related to the idea of false friends in the Bible. By understanding and applying these principles, we can navigate our relationships wisely and avoid falling victim to those who may seek to harm us.

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.