We’ve all heard that “bad company corrupts good morals,” but what does Scripture really say about dealing with negative influences? The Bible gives clear advice on protecting our values and staying true to our faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Giving Up On Someone
What Does The Bible Say About Bad Influences
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
This verse emphasizes the importance of resisting the influence of sinful individuals. It encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and values, even if others try to persuade us to engage in harmful or ungodly activities.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
This verse warns us about the negative impact of surrounding ourselves with ungodly companions. It reminds us that our associations can shape our character and behavior, highlighting the need to choose our friends wisely.
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 passage cautions against forming relationships with individuals characterized by anger or a quick temper. It implies that prolonged exposure to such negative influences can lead us down a destructive path.
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.
Here, Paul advises believers to avoid close association with individuals who claim to be part of the Christian community but engage in immoral behavior. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding the corrupting influence of those who disregard God’s commands.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
This proverb teaches us that the company we keep directly affects our own wisdom and well-being. It encourages us to surround ourselves with wise and godly individuals who can positively influence our lives.
Proverbs 14:7
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
This verse advises us to distance ourselves from foolish individuals, indicating that their words and actions lack wisdom. By avoiding their influence, we avoid being misled or deceived.
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.
This verse emphasizes the incompatibility between aligning ourselves with worldly values and being in harmony with God. It warns against seeking friendship and influence from worldly sources, reminding us that choosing the world over God puts us in opposition to Him.
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.
This passage advises against being envious of or desiring the company of wicked individuals. The wicked can lead us astray with their malicious intentions and harmful speech, so it is important to steer clear of their influence.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
This verse warns us about the negative impact of surrounding ourselves with ungodly companions. It reminds us that our associations can shape our character and behavior, highlighting the need to choose our friends wisely.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
This proverb teaches us that the company we keep directly affects our own wisdom and well-being. It encourages us to surround ourselves with wise and godly individuals who can positively influence our lives.
Proverbs 14:7
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
This verse advises us to distance ourselves from foolish individuals, indicating that their words and actions lack wisdom. By avoiding their influence, we avoid being misled or deceived.
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?
This verse reminds us not to form intimate relationships or partnerships with those who do not share our faith. It underscores the importance of aligning ourselves with like-minded believers to avoid being negatively influenced by those who hold opposing values.
Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
This passage urges us to actively avoid the path of the wicked and the company of evil individuals. It emphasizes the importance of making a deliberate choice to turn away from their influence and continue on the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 9:6
Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.
This verse encourages us to reject the foolish and naive tendencies that can lead us astray. Instead, we are called to walk in wisdom and pursue understanding, actively choosing to distance ourselves from negative influences.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
This passage admonishes believers not to participate in pagan rituals or engage in idolatrous practices. It underscores the importance of maintaining a clear separation from anything that contradicts God’s truth, highlighting the danger of being tainted by association with demonic influences.
Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
This verse encourages believers to avoid participating in activities associated with darkness and evil. It emphasizes the need to expose and confront such works, rather than being influenced or enticed by them.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Avoid every kind of evil.
This verse provides a direct and concise command to steer clear of all forms of evil. It urges believers to be intentional in rejecting and distancing themselves from anything that is contrary to God’s goodness and righteousness.
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 psalm highlights the blessings that come to those who refrain from aligning themselves with the wicked, sinners, or mockers. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding the influence of those who mock or deny God’s truth.
Proverbs 9:9-10
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and knowledge from those who are wise and righteous. By honoring and revering the Lord, we gain a foundation of true wisdom and understanding, allowing us to discern and avoid negative influences.
1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
This passage reminds believers that, as followers of Christ, they should no longer participate in the sinful behaviors that characterized their lives before salvation. It acknowledges that those who embrace such lifestyles may ridicule or mistreat those who choose to live differently.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This verse exhorts believers to resist conforming to the sinful and worldly patterns of society. By renewing our minds through God’s truth and guidance, we can discern God’s perfect will and walk in obedience, avoiding the corrupting influence of the world.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
This verse warns against being deceived by false teachers and leaders who may disguise themselves as followers of Christ but harbor harmful motives and destructive teachings. It encourages believers to be discerning and vigilant, avoiding the influence of those who distort the truth.
2 Timothy 2:16
Avoid godless chatter because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
This verse advises believers to distance themselves from meaningless and unedifying conversations that lack godly principles. It warns that engaging in such talk can lead to increased ungodliness, reinforcing the importance of guarding our speech and associations.
Proverbs 9:7-8
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mocker, or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
This passage cautions against attempting to correct or rebuke those who consistently mock and reject wise counsel. It advises discernment in choosing who to confront, recognizing that the response may vary based on the character of the individual.