What Does the Bible Say About Fake 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.

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life.

A true friend stands by your side, encourages you, and remains loyal through good times and bad.

But not all friendships are genuine.

Some people pretend to be friends while hiding selfish motives.

They may act kind to your face but betray you behind your back.

They may only be around when they need something but disappear when you need help.

The Bible has a lot to say about fake friends and how to handle them.

From stories of betrayal to wisdom about trust and loyalty, scripture provides guidance on recognizing false friendships and surrounding yourself with people who truly care.

What Is a Fake Friend?

A fake friend is someone who appears supportive but does not truly have your best interests at heart.

They may lie, gossip, or manipulate you for their own benefit.

They may seem friendly when things are going well but abandon you when challenges arise.

Proverbs 26:24-25 warns about these kinds of people:

“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.”

The Bible teaches that a fake friend may seem kind on the surface, but their true intentions will eventually be revealed.

Examples of Fake Friends in the Bible

The Bible provides many examples of false friends who betrayed or deceived those who trusted them.

One of the most well-known examples is Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Judas traveled with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and appeared to be a loyal disciple.

Yet for thirty pieces of silver, he handed Jesus over to His enemies.

Matthew 26:48-50 describes this heartbreaking moment:

“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.'”

Judas’ actions remind us that not everyone who calls you “friend” is truly one.

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Another example of a fake friend in the Bible is Delilah, who deceived Samson.

She acted as if she loved him but was only after the secret of his strength.

Once she discovered it, she handed him over to his enemies (Judges 16:18-21).

Her actions show that some people form friendships only to gain something from you.

These biblical stories warn us to be cautious about who we trust.

Signs of a Fake Friend

The Bible offers wisdom on how to recognize false friends.

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

There are several signs that someone may not be a true friend.

They only reach out when they need something.

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

A true friend sticks around no matter what, but a fake friend is only there when they can gain something.

They gossip and spread lies.

Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Someone who talks about you behind your back is not a real friend.

They bring drama and conflict into your life.

Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions, “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.”

A fake friend stirs up unnecessary arguments and brings negativity into your life.

They are jealous of your success.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 says, “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another.”

A real friend celebrates your victories, but a fake friend feels threatened by them.

The Bible warns that not everyone who seems friendly can be trusted.

The Pain of Betrayal

Being betrayed by a friend is one of the most painful experiences in life.

Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, knew what it felt like to be betrayed by someone close to him.

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

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When a friend turns against you, it can shake your trust and leave you feeling alone.

But God understands that pain and offers comfort.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

No matter how deeply a fake friend wounds you, God is always there to heal and restore you.

How to Handle Fake Friends

The Bible not only warns about fake friends but also provides guidance on how to deal with them.

First, seek wisdom before choosing your friends.

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

Surround yourself with people who love God and live with integrity.

Second, set boundaries.

If someone constantly lies, manipulates, or hurts you, it is wise to distance yourself.

Proverbs 14:7 advises, “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”

This does not mean you have to be rude or unkind, but you should protect your heart from toxic relationships.

Third, forgive but do not forget.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Holding onto bitterness will only harm you.

However, forgiving does not mean allowing someone to keep hurting you.

Finally, trust God to reveal true friends.

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

God will place the right people in your life at the right time.

Finding True Friends

While the Bible warns about fake friends, it also celebrates true friendships.

One of the greatest examples of genuine friendship is found in David and Jonathan.

First Samuel 18:1 says, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”

Jonathan was loyal to David, even when it put him at odds with his own father, King Saul.

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Their friendship was built on trust, love, and faithfulness.

Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

A real friend stands by you through both the good times and the bad.

They encourage your faith, support your dreams, and walk with you in life’s struggles.

True friends are a blessing from God, and they reflect His love.

Jesus: The Ultimate Friend

No matter how many fake friends you encounter in life, there is one friend who will never betray you—Jesus.

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

Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of friendship by giving His life for us.

When people let you down, Jesus remains faithful.

When you feel lonely, He is always near.

He is the kind of friend who never gossips, never abandons, and never deceives.

His love is perfect, and His friendship is eternal.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that not all friendships are genuine.

Fake friends can be selfish, deceptive, and hurtful.

However, Scripture also offers wisdom on how to recognize false friendships, set boundaries, and seek out godly relationships.

Though betrayal can be painful, God provides comfort and leads His people to true friends who reflect His love.

Above all, Jesus is the greatest friend anyone could ever have.

He is loyal, trustworthy, and always present.

When human friendships fail, His love remains unshaken.

By placing our trust in Him, we can navigate the ups and downs of friendships with wisdom, peace, and confidence in His perfect plan.