It’s common to hear that the people around us influence who we become. The Bible shares wisdom on this too, warning us about the effects of keeping bad company. Today, we’ll look at verses that show how our friends can shape our choices and values, guiding us to choose relationships that bring out the best in us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
What Does The Bible Say About Bad Company
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely. Associating with wise and virtuous individuals can positively influence our lives, while keeping company with foolish and immoral people can lead to harm and negative consequences.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Paul warns the Corinthians about the influence of bad company, highlighting that spending time with those who have corrupt morals can negatively impact one’s own character and values. It is important to be cautious and discerning in our choice of friends and acquaintances.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“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.”
This verse advises against befriending individuals with a quick temper or anger issues. The reason behind this caution is that by spending time with such people, we may inadvertently pick up their negative traits and become entangled in their conflicts and consequences.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Paul urges believers to avoid close partnerships or relationships with those who do not share their faith. The stark differences between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, can create conflicts in values and beliefs, ultimately impacting one’s spiritual journey.
Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
This verse pronounces blessings upon those who refrain from associating themselves with the wicked, sinners, and mockers. By separating themselves from negative influences, individuals can enjoy the favor and guidance of God in their lives.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse reveals the destructive nature of those who engage in perversity and gossip. Their actions can incite conflicts and create divisions among friends and close relationships. It is wise to avoid participating in or being influenced by such behavior.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against spending time with fools who lack wisdom. Their words and actions are unlikely to contribute to knowledge, understanding, or personal growth. It is better to seek the company of those who can impart wisdom and knowledge.
Psalm 26:4-5
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.”
Here, the psalmist expresses a firm stance against associating with those who are deceitful, hypocritical, and engage in evil. Their presence and influence are rejected in order to maintain personal integrity and righteousness.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James highlights the danger of aligning oneself too closely with the values and priorities of the world. Intimacy with worldly ways can lead to enmity with God. Believers are therefore urged to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly friendships.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of consciously selecting our friends. Righteous individuals are intentional in their choice of companions, realizing that associating with the wicked can lead them away from the path of righteousness and into moral compromise.
Psalm 119:63
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.”
The psalmist declares their loyalty to those who fear and honor God, making a deliberate choice to befriend individuals who follow God’s commandments. This verse encourages us to seek fellowship with fellow believers who share our devotion to God.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse emphasizes the positive impact of surrounding oneself with wise and godly companions. Just as iron sharpens iron, relationships with like-minded individuals can contribute to personal growth, spiritual maturity, and the development of wisdom.
Psalm 101:6
“My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.”
The psalmist expresses their desire to associate with the faithful and blameless individuals. They recognize the value and positive influence that such companions can bring into their life and ministry.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the importance of true friendship, emphasizing that a genuine friend remains loyal and supportive through all circumstances. Having such friends in times of adversity can bring comfort, encouragement, and strength.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse underscores the value of true friends who are willing to offer loving correction and rebuke when needed. Their honest feedback and counsel can be trusted, in contrast to the flattering words of an enemy.
1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
Paul instructs the Corinthians to separate themselves from those who claim to be believers but persist in a lifestyle characterized by immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, or deceit. This serves as a safeguard against being influenced by ungodly behavior.
3 John 1:11
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
John encourages his friend to emulate goodness and righteous behavior, and to avoid imitating evil. The actions we choose to imitate reflect our relationship with God, with those who do good being aligned with Him, while those who do evil demonstrate a lack of connection with Him.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse warns against associating with individuals who are prone to gossiping and betraying confidential information. Their excessive talkativeness can lead to harm and consequently should be avoided.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
This verse suggests removing oneself from the presence of mockers, as their influence often leads to strife, arguments, and insults. By avoiding their company, one can maintain peace and harmony in their relationships.
2 Timothy 3:2-5
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
Paul describes the characteristics of people who are self-centered, materialistic, arrogant, disrespectful, and lacking self-control. He advises believers to distance themselves from such individuals, as their behaviors contradict a genuine commitment to God.
Proverbs 24:1-2
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”
Here, we are cautioned against envying or desiring the company of the wicked. Their hearts are filled with evil intentions, and their words are focused on causing harm and trouble. It is wise to avoid seeking friendship or association with such individuals.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having reliable and trustworthy friends. Counting on unreliable companions can lead to ruin, but a true friend who is loyal and supportive can be more dependable than even a sibling.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”
Paul warns the Corinthians about the detrimental influence of bad company on their character. He urges them to regain their senses, to stop sinning, and to recognize the shame in disregarding God’s ways. This serves as a call to choose good company and pursue righteousness.