Negative influences can be a challenge to navigate. The Bible provides verses that encourage us to stand strong and not be swayed by others’ negativity. Join us as we explore these scriptures and learn how to maintain our resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Building A House
Bible Verses About Not Letting Others Bring You Down
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and discerning individuals. When we associate with wise people, we are more likely to be influenced positively and make wise decisions. However, if we choose to accompany fools or those who bring negativity, harm may come upon us. Therefore, it is crucial to be discerning in our relationships and seek out individuals who uplift and encourage us.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding foolish companions. Those who lack wisdom and understanding will not possess knowledge that can benefit us. Instead, they may spread negativity and bring us down. It is essential to steer clear of such individuals and seek knowledge and wisdom from those who possess it.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Paul warns the Corinthians about the influence of bad company. When we surround ourselves with people who have negative values and behaviors, they can potentially corrupt our good character. It is crucial to be mindful of the company we keep, ensuring that they align with our beliefs and values, so we can maintain our integrity and righteousness.
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 advises us against entering into close relationships or partnerships with unbelievers. Righteousness and wickedness cannot coexist, just as light and darkness cannot mix. By aligning ourselves with those who do not share our faith or values, we risk compromising our beliefs and being led astray.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Paul encourages Timothy to distance himself from immoral desires and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. It is essential for us to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who also seek God and have pure hearts. By doing so, we can support one another in living a life that is pleasing to God.
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 warns against forming close ties with the world and its ways, as it can lead to distancing ourselves from God. When we prioritize worldly desires and conform to the world’s standards, we become enemies of God. It is crucial to guard our hearts and avoid being influenced by worldly temptations in order to maintain a strong relationship with God.
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 highlights the potential danger of associating with individuals who have a quick temper. If we surround ourselves with such people, we may adopt their anger and destructive behavior. To protect ourselves, it is wise to distance ourselves from individuals who have anger issues and instead seek the company of those who demonstrate patience and self-control.
Psalm 1:1-2
“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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.”
This psalm encourages us to avoid the path of the wicked and not partake in their actions or attitudes. Instead, we are called to find joy and satisfaction in God’s law and devote ourselves to regular meditation on His Word. By doing so, we can guard ourselves against negative influences and stay rooted in the truth.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the positive impact that strong and encouraging relationships can have on us. Just as iron is sharpened by another piece of iron, we can be sharpened and edified by being in the company of wise and godly individuals. It is important to seek out relationships that challenge and inspire us to grow in our faith.
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.”
Peter warns believers about the unhealthy and destructive behaviors associated with living apart from God. When we choose to distance ourselves from such actions, we may face criticism and abuse from those still engulfed in those sinful ways. However, we are called to stand firm and not be swayed by their negative influence, no matter the consequences.
John 15:19
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Jesus reminds His disciples that as followers of Him, they are not of this world and will face persecution and opposition because of it. The world’s values and principles will often be in conflict with those of believers, leading to rejection and hatred. However, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by the world’s opinions or actions.
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 regarding their relationships with fellow believers who are engaging in immoral behavior. He advises them to distance themselves from those who claim to be part of the Christian community but demonstrate unrepentant sinful behaviors. By separating ourselves from such individuals, we can maintain the purity and integrity of the Christian fellowship.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.”
Paul issues a command to the Thessalonians to avoid associating with believers who are lazy, disruptive, and not living according to the teachings they have received. By maintaining distance from such individuals, we can guard ourselves against their negative influence and ensure that we remain obedient to the truth.
Romans 16:17-18
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Paul warns the Roman believers to be cautious of those who promote division and false teachings that contradict the Gospel. He advises them to keep their distance from these individuals as they are motivated by self-interest rather than serving the Lord. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being deceived and led astray.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 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 provides a list of negative characteristics that will be prevalent in the last days. He advises Timothy to have nothing to do with individuals who embody these qualities, even if they claim to be godly. By separating ourselves from such individuals, we can protect ourselves from their toxic influence and maintain a strong and authentic faith.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Paul encourages the Ephesians to distance themselves from deeds that are unfruitful and rooted in darkness, rather than participating in them. Believers are called to expose the darkness and shine the light of truth. By aligning ourselves with godly principles and avoiding sin, we can stand as bearers of truth and righteousness.
1 Timothy 6:5
“…and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
Paul warns Timothy of the presence of individuals who possess corrupted minds and have a warped understanding of godliness. These individuals perceive godliness as a way to gain personal wealth. By recognizing and avoiding those who distort the truth, we can protect ourselves from falling into the same misguided beliefs.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This verse is a reminder that the company we keep can greatly impact our character. If we surround ourselves with individuals who engage in unrighteousness, their influence can corrupt our previously good character. To maintain our spiritual growth and integrity, we must choose our companions wisely and surround ourselves with those who align with God’s Word.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse serves as a warning that the devil is constantly seeking opportunities to attack and bring destruction into our lives. We must be vigilant, watchful, and clear-headed to recognize his tactics and protect ourselves. One way to guard against his schemes is to distance ourselves from individuals who may be influenced or used by the enemy to bring us down.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This proverb highlights the importance of choosing our friends carefully. The righteous understand the impact of companionship and intentionally surround themselves with individuals who align with their faith and values. On the contrary, those who embrace wickedness and associate with the wrong company are led astray. To maintain our spiritual walk, it is crucial to be discerning in our relationships.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
These verses emphasize the importance of receiving correction and rebuke from a genuine friend who has our best interests at heart. True friends are not afraid to address our faults or challenge us when we go astray. Their honest feedback can save us from harm and keep us on the right path. However, it is essential to be cautious of flattery and false friendship as it can lead to deception and harm.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This verse serves as a warning against the influence of bad company. When we surround ourselves with individuals who engage in ungodly behavior, their actions and values can negatively impact our character. To prevent this, we must be mindful of the company we keep and intentionally choose to align ourselves with those who will encourage and inspire us in our walk with Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Not Letting Others Bring You Down?
As Christians, it’s important for us to remember that our identity and worth come from God. The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14). When others try to bring us down with hurtful words or actions, we can take refuge in the truth of God’s love for us.
In Ephesians 6:12, we are reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. This means that when others try to bring us down, it’s often influenced by spiritual warfare. Therefore, our response should be rooted in spiritual armor and reliance on God’s strength (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Furthermore, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are encouraged to build each other up and encourage one another. This means that we should seek out positive and edifying relationships, while also being mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others.
When faced with discouragement or negativity from others, we can turn to God in prayer and find solace in His promises. We can also seek wise counsel from fellow believers and find comfort in the community of faith.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to guard our hearts and minds (Proverbs 4:23), to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8), and to find our worth in God’s love and purpose for our lives.