These friendships are rooted in examples from the Bible, each person demonstrating how to live according to God’s will, regardless of the circumstances. These friends serve as models of faith, trust, obedience, and resilience, offering us profound lessons for our lives today.

From Job, who faced immense suffering, to Noah, who trusted in God’s promises even when they were invisible, and Joseph, who fled from immorality, each figure highlights virtues that we all need to cultivate.

As we walk through these 17 friendships, we discover how each of them points us to a closer relationship with God and better understanding of His purpose in our lives:

1. Enoch
It is a blessing to have a friend like Enoch who teaches you to walk with God.
• Genesis 5:22 – "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him."
Enoch’s life teaches us the power of maintaining a close, consistent walk with God, trusting Him in every step.

2. Abraham
It is a blessing to have a friend like Abraham who teaches you to trust in God.
• Genesis 4:11 – “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’”

Abraham trusted God’s promises even when they didn’t make sense, showing us that faith in God’s direction leads to blessings.

3. Noah
It is a blessing to have a friend like Noah who teaches you to respect and obey God, even when you don’t see the outcome.

• Genesis 6:1-22 – God instructed Noah to build the ark to save his family and the animals from the coming flood. Despite never having seen rain, Noah obeyed.
Noah’s obedience serves as a powerful example of trusting God’s plan, even when it’s beyond our comprehension.

4. Joseph
It is a blessing to have a friend like Joseph who teaches you to fear and honor God, forgive others, and do good to those who wrong you.

• Genesis 39:7-12 – "And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, ’Lie with me.’ But he refused..."

Joseph, despite being tempted and falsely accused, chose righteousness and trust in God.
• Genesis 50:19-21 – "But Joseph said to them, ’Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...’"

Joseph’s life teaches us to forgive and recognize God’s sovereignty in every circumstance.
5. Moses

It is a blessing to have a friend like Moses who teaches you to be selfless and seek God’s will over your own.

• Numbers 11:24-29 – Moses’ humility is demonstrated when he allowed others to prophesy and did not seek personal glory.

• Exodus 32:30-35 – Moses interceded for the Israelites, even offering his own life for their forgiveness.

Moses reminds us to seek God’s will, and to always have a heart of intercession for others.
6. Joshua

It is a blessing to have a friend like Joshua who teaches you to trust God, even when the circumstances are daunting.

• Numbers 13:1-13, 14:1-9 – When Israel sent spies to explore Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb believed that God would give them victory.

Joshua exemplified courage and trust in God’s promises, showing us that faith in God allows us to overcome fear.

7. Samuel
It is a blessing to have a friend like Samuel who teaches you to grow in the things of God, remain faithful, and follow God’s leading above emotions.

• 1 Samuel 2:1 – "My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation."

Samuel’s life was a continual growth in God’s service, exemplifying a heart that is fully yielded to God’s will.

• 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, ’Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature... for the Lord sees not as man sees.’”

8. David
It is a blessing to have a friend like David who teaches you to humble yourself and seek God’s glory above your own.

• 2 Samuel 6:16-22 – David danced before the Lord, unashamed of his humble status, bringing glory to God.

• 2 Samuel 12:1-13 – After David’s sin with Bathsheba, he repented when confronted by Nathan, showing a heart that sought God’s forgiveness.
David teaches us humility and repentance.

9. Solomon
It is a blessing to have a friend like Solomon who teaches you to seek wisdom from God.
• James 3:17 – "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Solomon, known for his wisdom, shows us that true wisdom is a gift from God, and it is characterized by humility, peace, and mercy.

10. Ezra
It is a blessing to have a friend like Ezra who teaches you to love God’s work and inspire others to join in.
• Ezra 7:12-28 – Ezra was committed to studying and teaching the law of God, and he inspired others to follow God’s commands.
Ezra’s life encourages us to be passionate about serving God and to lead others to do the same.

11. Nehemiah
It is a blessing to have a friend like Nehemiah who teaches you to pray for your nation and work towards its restoration.
• Nehemiah 1:1-9 – Nehemiah prayed earnestly for the people of Israel, acknowledging their sins and asking God for favor.
• Nehemiah 2:9-20 – Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, trusting God for provision and protection.
Nehemiah exemplifies the importance of prayer and action in the work of restoring and building God’s kingdom.

12. Esther
It is a blessing to have a friend like Esther who teaches you to care for your community, especially when in positions of power.
• Esther 4:1-17 – When the Jews faced annihilation, Esther risked her life by approaching the king to save her people.
Esther reminds us to never forget our roots and to act courageously for the good of others, especially in times of power.

13. Job
It is a blessing to have a friend like Job who teaches you to trust God through trials.
• Job 1:21-22 – "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Job’s unwavering faith in the midst of suffering teaches us how to maintain trust in God, no matter our circumstances.
• Job 42:7-17 – After his trials, God restored Job’s fortunes, showing that faith in God’s plan leads to restoration.

14. Daniel
It is a blessing to have a friend like Daniel who teaches you to remain faithful, regardless of the pressures of life.
• Daniel 1:8 – "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food..."
Daniel was steadfast in his faith, choosing God’s way over worldly temptations.
• Daniel 6:5 – "Then these men said, ’We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.’"
Daniel’s life is a model of unwavering integrity, standing firm in God even in the face of danger.

15. Luke
It is a blessing to have a friend like Luke who teaches you to share the Gospel in every aspect of life.
• Colossians 4:14 – "Luke the beloved physician greets you..."
Luke was a doctor who used his profession to further the work of the Gospel, showing us that every profession is an opportunity to glorify God.

16. Paul
It is a blessing to have a friend like Paul who teaches you to preach the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 1:17 – "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
Paul shows us that the Gospel is powerful on its own, without the need for human wisdom.
• 2 Timothy 4:17 – "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed."
Paul’s life demonstrates that true strength and effectiveness in ministry come through the Holy Spirit.

17. But the most extraordinary blessing is having Jesus as your friend
It is a blessing to have Jesus as your friend who teaches you things that others cannot teach you. Even the things that others teach, Jesus refines them to a level only He can reach! Jesus is the friend that surpasses all others you have known, will know, or can know. There is nothing like being called His friend (John 15:15).

John 15:15 – "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

As we reflect on these 17 friendships from the Bible, we see that each one offers us a powerful example of how to live faithfully and obediently before God. Whether it’s through trusting God’s promises like Abraham, remaining steadfast in the face of suffering like Job, or showing unwavering integrity like Daniel, each of these individuals provides us with valuable lessons that are relevant for our daily lives in 2025.

However, the most extraordinary friendship we can have is with Jesus Christ. He calls us not servants, but friends, offering us His wisdom, love, and guidance in a way no one else can.

As He says in John 15:15 – "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." This profound invitation to friendship with Jesus is the most intimate and transformative relationship we can experience.

As we grow in our relationship with Him, we are transformed to become more like Him, and His life becomes the ultimate example for us to follow.

In 2025, may you strive to build these kinds of friendships—whether with God, or with those who inspire you to walk closely with Him. Let the stories of these biblical figures encourage you, and may you continually seek to grow in grace and knowledge, especially in your friendship with Jesus, the one who calls you His own.

May this year be a time where you seek deeper, more meaningful friendships that not only draw you closer to those who are wise and faithful but ultimately lead you to a closer walk with God.