Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.

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

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.