23 Bible Verses About Fake Friends

Navigating friendships can be a bit like walking through a maze—sometimes you find yourself surrounded by genuine companions, and other times, you hit a dead end with those who aren’t quite what they seem. We’ve all encountered people who wear the mask of friendship but don’t have our best interests at heart. It can be disheartening and confusing, leaving us wondering who we can truly trust.

The good news is that the Bible offers timeless wisdom on this very topic. It provides guidance on recognizing and dealing with those who might not be the friends they claim to be. These insights can help us cultivate relationships that are authentic and life-giving, steering clear of those that drain or deceive us.

In this article, we’ll explore 23 Bible verses that shed light on the nature of fake friends and offer wisdom on how to navigate these tricky relationships. Whether you’re seeking clarity, comfort, or a little divine guidance, these verses are here to remind you that true friendship is a treasure worth seeking.

23 Bible Verses About Fake Friends

Verses About Deception and Betrayal
Verses About False Flattery
Verses About Unreliability
Verses About Self-Interest
Verses About Discernment

Deception and betrayal are painful experiences that can leave deep scars. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced betrayal, such as Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and Jesus, who was betrayed by Judas. These stories remind us of the reality of deceit and the importance of trusting in divine wisdom to navigate such challenges.

Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

Psalm 55:12–14: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.”

Proverbs 26:24–26: “Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”

Matthew 26:48–50: “Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”

Proverbs 19:4: “Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.”

False flattery can be misleading and dangerous, often serving as a tool for manipulation. Proverbs warns against those who use smooth words to disguise their true intentions. It’s a reminder to be cautious of those who offer insincere praise, as their motives may not align with genuine friendship or support.

Proverbs 29:5: “Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.”

Psalm 12:2: “Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.”

Proverbs 26:28: “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Proverbs 28:23: “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”

Job 32:21–22: “I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone; for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.”

Unreliability in friendships can lead to disappointment and frustration. The Bible highlights the value of faithfulness and dependability, contrasting it with the instability of those who cannot be counted on. This serves as a lesson to seek relationships built on trust and consistency, rather than those that falter when needed most.

Proverbs 25:19: “Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.”

Proverbs 18:24: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Micah 7:5: “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.”

Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

Self-interest often drives individuals to prioritize their own needs over the well-being of others. In the Bible, we see examples of people who put their desires above their relationships, leading to conflict and broken bonds. This highlights the importance of selflessness and the dangers of associating with those who are primarily focused on their own gain.

Proverbs 14:20: “The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.”

Proverbs 19:6–7: “Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.”

John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

Discernment is crucial when navigating relationships, helping to distinguish between genuine friends and those with ulterior motives. The Bible encourages seeking wisdom and understanding to make sound judgments about the people we allow into our lives. This guidance helps protect against the harm that can come from associating with those who do not have our best interests at heart.

Proverbs 12:26: “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”

2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”