10 Bible Verses about Choosing Friends

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin,
But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction]
Than love that is hidden.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern],
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].

The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,
But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts;
Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man,

Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways
And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none [for his ears are closed to wisdom],
But knowledge is easy for one who understands [because he is willing to learn].

Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool,
For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips.

As iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].