The Bible's core relationship principles are: two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), bear with one another in love and humility (Ephesians 4:2-3), forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32), and choose companions wisely (Proverbs 13:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
Whether you are dating, married, or building friendships, Scripture has practical wisdom for how people live together well. Here are ten passages from the King James Version.
Why relationships matter
1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
Solomon observes that partnership multiplies effort and provides help when one falls.
2. Ecclesiastes 4:12
"And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
The "threefold cord" is a popular wedding verse; many couples read the third strand as God at the center of the relationship.
3. Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Good relationships sharpen us. Honest friends make each other better.
How to treat each other
4. Ephesians 4:2-3
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
A recipe for unity: humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearing love, with real effort ("endeavouring") to keep peace.
5. Colossians 3:13
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Paul assumes there will be quarrels. The standard for forgiveness is how Christ forgave us.
6. Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness, modeled on God's forgiveness in Christ.
7. 1 Corinthians 13:7
"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Love that lasts: it bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.
Choosing relationships wisely
8. Amos 3:3
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
A short proverb-like question from the prophet Amos. Walking together requires agreement on direction.
9. 2 Corinthians 6:14
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
Paul warns believers against being "yoked" with unbelievers. It is often applied to marriage and close partnerships.
10. Proverbs 13:20
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
The people we spend time with shape who we become.
A short prayer
Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Make me humble, patient, and quick to forgive. Give me wisdom in choosing close relationships, and help me be a friend who sharpens and supports others. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about relationships?
It calls for humility, patience, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:2-3, 32), values companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), and urges wisdom in whom we join ourselves to (Proverbs 13:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
What Bible verse is about a threefold cord?
Ecclesiastes 4:12: "a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
What does "unequally yoked" mean?
It comes from 2 Corinthians 6:14. A yoke joins two animals to pull together; Paul applies it to close partnerships between believers and unbelievers.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: love Bible verses · Bible verses about friendship · Bible verses about family
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