The Bible is filled with examples of friendships—both good and bad. The bad ones teach us valuable lessons about who we choose to surround ourselves with. Bad friends can lead us astray, cause harm, or encourage poor decisions. They may appear helpful but end up being destructive.
In this article, we’ll explore several cautionary examples of bad friends found in Scripture. These stories remind us of the importance of discerning true friends from those who only bring trouble. Each example offers a warning for how damaging the wrong friendships can be.
Examples of Bad Friends in the Bible
#1. Job’s Friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar)
Job’s friends came to comfort him during his severe suffering. They found him in deep distress and sat with him for seven days in silence. However, their true nature soon emerged. Instead of offering real support, they blamed Job for his misfortunes. They insisted that his suffering was a direct result of his sins. Their harsh judgments and misguided theology only added to Job’s pain. They argued that if Job repented, he would be restored. In the end, God rebuked them for their unhelpful advice. This story serves as a warning about friends who judge instead of providing genuine comfort.
#2. Jonadab
Jonadab was the cousin of Amnon, one of King David’s sons. Amnon was infatuated with his half-sister, Tamar. He confided in Jonadab about his feelings. Instead of guiding him wisely, Jonadab suggested a deceptive plan. He told Amnon how to manipulate Tamar into being alone with him. This poor advice led to Tamar’s violation and her life being shattered. Following Jonadab’s counsel caused a chain reaction of violence and tragedy, ultimately resulting in Amnon’s death at the hands of his brother, Absalom. This story highlights the danger of following misleading guidance from friends who lack integrity.
#3. Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He was part of Jesus’ inner circle and witnessed many miracles. Despite his close relationship with Jesus, he betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. Judas’s greed motivated his actions, leading him to hand Jesus over to the authorities. His betrayal resulted in the crucifixion of Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian history. After realizing the consequences of his actions, Judas was filled with remorse and took his own life. This story serves as a stark reminder that betrayal can come from those we trust the most. It warns us to be cautious of false friends who are driven by selfish motives.
#4. Delilah
Delilah is infamous for her betrayal of Samson. Samson was a judge of Israel, known for his incredible strength. Delilah was manipulated by the Philistines, who wanted to capture Samson. They offered her a substantial sum of money to discover the secret of his strength. Delilah used her charm to coax Samson into revealing his secret—his uncut hair. Once she learned this, she betrayed him to the Philistines while he slept. They captured him and blinded him, leading to his downfall. Delilah’s story serves as a caution against trusting those who seek to exploit our vulnerabilities. It shows how deception can come from those who seem close to us.
#5. Rehoboam’s Young Advisors
After the death of Solomon, Rehoboam, his son, became king. He sought advice on how to rule effectively. He initially consulted the older, wiser advisors who served his father. They advised him to lighten the heavy burdens placed on the people. However, Rehoboam chose to ignore their counsel and turned to his young friends instead. They urged him to act with harshness, telling him to make his reign even more demanding than his father’s. Rehoboam followed their advice, which led to significant unrest among the people. This poor decision resulted in the division of the kingdom, splitting it into Israel and Judah. This story illustrates how poor advice from friends can lead to disastrous consequences for leaders and their communities.
Closing Thoughts
The Bible offers valuable lessons about the importance of choosing our friends wisely. Bad friends can lead us into harmful situations and influence our decisions negatively. The examples of Job’s friends, Jonadab, Judas, Delilah, and Rehoboam’s advisors highlight the potential dangers of misguided counsel and betrayal.
These stories remind us to seek friendships that encourage us to grow and make wise choices. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and trustworthy individuals is essential for our well-being. Ultimately, we must be vigilant in discerning true friends from those who may bring trouble into our lives.