16 Bible Verse for Your Best Friend to Lift Them Up

Friendship is one of God’s most beautiful gifts. A true friend is a source of strength, laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support. Whether you’re celebrating your friendship or looking to uplift your best friend during tough times, Scripture offers timeless wisdom and comfort.
These 16 Bible verses are handpicked to bless your best friend with love, joy, and godly encouragement. Each verse is followed by a heartfelt reflection to remind them just how special they are—not only to you but also to God.

1. A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother: Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

True friendship isn’t about the number of people around you; it’s about the depth of the connection. This verse reminds us that a real friend is someone who remains loyal and close through life’s ups and downs. For your best friend, this verse is a tribute to the rare, unwavering bond you share—stronger than even familial ties.

2. Encouragement in Every Season: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse is a gentle reminder of the power of encouragement. Best friends uplift each other, especially in hard times. Sharing this verse with your friend acknowledges how much you appreciate their encouragement, and it serves as a mutual call to continue building each other up in love and faith.

3. The Gift of Two: Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Friendship is a partnership ordained by God. This verse beautifully illustrates how we are stronger together than alone. Let your friend know that their presence in your life makes your burdens lighter and your joys greater. It’s a celebration of shared strength and support.

4. The Power of Love: John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of friendship. His sacrificial love is the foundation for how we are called to love our friends—with selflessness and deep devotion. Use this verse to express how much your friend means to you and how their love mirrors Christ’s love.

5. Peace Through Presence: Philippians 1:3–4

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”

This verse is a beautiful way to let your friend know how grateful you are for them. Every time they cross your mind, they bring joy and peace. It’s a reminder to lift them up in prayer and thank God for the gift of their presence in your life.

6. Sharpening One Another: Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Friendship isn’t just about fun times—it’s also about growth. A best friend challenges you, inspires you, and helps you become better. This verse honors that aspect of your friendship: the spiritual and personal refinement you bring into each other’s lives.

7. Friendship Rooted in Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
These familiar words remind us what love really looks like—and they apply so well to friendship. A best friend’s love is patient and enduring. Sharing this verse is a way to affirm the deep, selfless love that defines your relationship.

8. Comfort in Trials: Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse captures the essence of empathy in friendship. A best friend is someone who shares in your triumphs and sits with you in your trials. Let your friend know how much their presence has comforted you in your highs and lows.

9. Never Alone: Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Even the strongest friends need reassurance. This verse offers God’s promise of constant presence. Share it with your best friend to remind them they’re never alone—God is with them, and so are you.

10. Bound by Peace: Colossians 3:14–15

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity… Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

Love is the glue of friendship, and peace is its fruit. This verse beautifully reflects how love brings unity and calm. It’s a blessing you can share with your friend as a wish for ongoing harmony and closeness in your relationship.

11. Trusting in God Together: Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Friendship grounded in faith is unshakeable. This verse is a call to trust God’s plan together, even when it’s unclear. Remind your friend that your journey—both individually and together—is safe in God’s hands.

12. The Joy of Togetherness: Psalm 133:1

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
There’s something joyful and sacred about being in sync with your friend. This verse celebrates unity, harmony, and the simple joy of being together. It’s a perfect reminder of how your friendship reflects God’s goodness.

13. Healing Words: Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Words have power, and a best friend knows how to use them well. This verse highlights the healing and sweetness that come from kind, loving speech. Acknowledge your friend’s ability to lift your spirit with their encouragement and grace.

14. Faithful Companionship: Ruth 1:16

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Though spoken by Ruth, this verse embodies the loyalty of deep friendship. It’s about sticking together through change and choosing to journey side by side. Let your friend know you’re committed to walking with them through whatever life brings.

15. Rooted in Christ: John 15:15

“I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Jesus calling us friends is the foundation of all friendship. It’s a powerful honor and reminder of the intimacy God desires with us—and that we can mirror in our friendships. Share this with your best friend as a sign that your bond is modeled after Christ’s own.

16. Blessings for a Friend: Numbers 6:24–26

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
End your list with this timeless blessing. It’s a beautiful prayer to speak over your best friend—a wish for God’s favor, protection, and peace in every area of their life. A reminder that they are deeply loved—by you and by God.