What Does the Bible Say About Cutting Ties With Friends?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Friendships are one of the greatest gifts in life.

A good friend can encourage, support, and uplift us through the highs and lows.

But not all friendships last forever.

Some relationships turn toxic, bring harm, or lead us away from God’s will.

At times, the difficult question arises: Is it ever right to cut ties with a friend?

The Bible speaks a lot about relationships—how to nurture them, when to restore them, and even when to walk away.

God wants His people to be surrounded by friendships that bring growth and encouragement, not pain and destruction.

Understanding what Scripture says about this topic can help believers make wise, godly choices when faced with challenging friendships.

The Importance of Choosing Friends Wisely

From the very beginning, God designed people to live in community.

Friendships are meant to be sources of strength, joy, and spiritual growth.

However, not all friendships lead in the right direction.

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

The people we spend time with influence our thoughts, behaviors, and faith.

A godly friend encourages righteousness, while a harmful friend can pull someone into sin.

First Corinthians 15:33 reinforces this truth: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

This does not mean believers should only associate with perfect people—no one is without flaws.

But friendships should strengthen faith, not weaken it.

When a relationship consistently leads to temptation, compromise, or emotional harm, it may be time to re-evaluate its place in one’s life.

When a Friendship Becomes Harmful

Some friendships bring more harm than good.

While every relationship has challenges, there are times when a friendship becomes toxic, emotionally draining, or spiritually dangerous.

The Bible warns against close ties with people who are divisive, deceitful, or encourage sinful behavior.

Proverbs 22:24-25 advises, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”

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A friend who is constantly angry, manipulative, or harmful can influence others in negative ways.

Titus 3:10 gives another example: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time.

After that, have nothing to do with them.”

If a friend continuously causes conflict, spreads gossip, or stirs division, Scripture encourages distancing from that person.

Friendships should not be built on fear, toxicity, or compromise.

God calls His people to relationships that honor Him and bring peace.

Jesus and Boundaries in Relationships

Jesus was a friend to sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts.

Yet, He also set boundaries.

He loved everyone but did not allow every person into His inner circle.

While Jesus ministered to large crowds, He often withdrew to spend time with His closest disciples.

Even among them, He had a smaller, more trusted group—Peter, James, and John.

This shows that not every relationship requires the same level of closeness.

Jesus also walked away from people when necessary.

In Matthew 10:14, He instructed His disciples, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”

He did not force relationships or stay where He was rejected.

His example teaches that it is okay to walk away when a relationship no longer aligns with God’s purpose.

Love does not always mean staying in a harmful situation.

Sometimes, love means letting go.

Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation

One of the biggest struggles in cutting ties with a friend is understanding the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Bible commands forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness is not optional—it is a command from God.

However, reconciliation is different.

While forgiveness is a personal decision to release bitterness, reconciliation requires mutual effort.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

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This verse acknowledges that peace is not always possible.

Sometimes, the best way to maintain peace is by stepping away from a damaging relationship.

Forgiveness does not mean allowing someone to continue hurting you.

It means releasing the anger, but it does not always require restoring the friendship.

Signs That It’s Time to Cut Ties

Letting go of a friendship is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary.

The Bible gives wisdom on recognizing when a relationship is no longer healthy.

A friend who consistently leads others into sin is a dangerous influence.

Proverbs 1:10 warns, “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”

If a friend pressures someone to engage in sinful behavior, it is time to create distance.

Another sign is persistent dishonesty or betrayal.

Proverbs 11:13 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

Friendships should be built on trust, not deception.

If a friend repeatedly lies, breaks trust, or gossips, the relationship may not be worth holding onto.

Additionally, a friendship that causes emotional or spiritual harm should be evaluated.

If someone constantly feels drained, disrespected, or pulled away from their faith, that relationship is not honoring God.

God calls His people to relationships that bring peace, not constant turmoil.

Letting Go with Grace

Even when it is necessary to step away from a friendship, it should be done with grace and love.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds believers to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ending a friendship does not mean harboring hatred.

It means releasing it to God and trusting Him with the future.

Sometimes, a simple conversation is enough to express the need for distance.

Other times, the best approach is gradually stepping away.

In every situation, prayer is essential.

Asking God for wisdom, strength, and peace in letting go allows the process to be guided by His Spirit.

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A broken friendship can be painful, but trusting God’s plan brings healing.

The Hope of New Friendships

Letting go of a friendship can feel lonely, but God never leaves His people without hope.

He promises to provide the right people at the right time.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

God desires friendships that build character, strengthen faith, and bring encouragement.

Sometimes, closing one door allows a better one to open.

New friendships rooted in faith and love bring joy and renewal.

God often places the right people in our lives when we trust Him with our relationships.

Even in seasons of loneliness, God remains the greatest friend.

Psalm 68:6 says, “God sets the lonely in families.”

He provides companionship, whether through family, church, or new friendships.

Final Thoughts

Cutting ties with a friend is never an easy decision, but the Bible provides wisdom on when it may be necessary.

Friendships should be uplifting, not destructive.

A godly friend encourages faith, speaks truth, and brings joy.

When a friendship becomes toxic, dishonest, or harmful, stepping away may be the best choice.

Jesus Himself set boundaries in relationships, showing that love does not always mean staying close.

Forgiveness is required, but reconciliation is not always possible.

Letting go should be done with grace, not bitterness, trusting that God will provide the right people at the right time.

No matter what, God is the ultimate friend who never leaves or forsakes His people.

He is always there, guiding, comforting, and leading toward relationships that reflect His love and purpose.