The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our lives, shaping our character, choices, and overall well-being. The Bible encourages us to choose our companions wisely, seeking those who inspire and uplift us.
Through verses that emphasize the value of good company, we can gain wisdom on building healthy relationships and fostering positive environments.
Join me as we explore these verses, discovering the transformative effects of surrounding ourselves with the good and finding encouragement to seek meaningful connections.
Bible Verses about Surrounding Yourself with Good
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
Choosing our companions wisely is crucial. This verse encourages us to surround ourselves with wise and godly individuals whose influence can lead us towards wisdom. Conversely, if we associate with foolish and ungodly people, their behavior and values can negatively impact our lives.
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 passage emphasizes the importance of avoiding the company of those who engage in sinful behavior. Instead, it encourages us to delight in God’s law and meditate on it constantly. By surrounding ourselves with those who follow God’s ways, we find blessing and guidance in our lives.
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.”
The company we keep can influence our attitudes and actions. This verse advises against forming close relationships with individuals prone to anger and hot-tempered behavior. Associating with such people can lead us down the same path and entangle us in their destructive patterns. It is essential to surround ourselves with those who exhibit self-control and promote peace.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning against the influence of negative company. It reminds us that associating with people who have corrupt values or engage in immoral behavior can gradually erode our own good character. Therefore, it is vital to surround ourselves with individuals who uphold godly virtues and inspire us to grow spiritually.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Meaningful relationships can have a transformative effect on our lives. This verse illustrates the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who challenge, encourage, and uplift us. Just as iron blades become sharper when they interact, our character and abilities can be honed through positive interactions with others.
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 highlights the significance of reliable and loyal friends. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy companions safeguards us from harm and ensures a support system during challenging times. It reminds us to choose friends who stand by us and share a deep bond of love and commitment.
Psalm 119:63
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forming friendships with those who fear and honor God. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our devotion to God’s principles, we find like-minded companions who inspire and encourage us in our spiritual journey.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse underscores the influence of our companions on our lives. Associating with wise individuals can positively impact our wisdom and understanding. Conversely, aligning ourselves with fools, who lack discernment and understanding, can lead to harm and negative 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?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with believers who share our faith and values. It cautions against entering into close partnerships or relationships with those who do not share our commitment to righteousness and truth.
Psalm 119:115
“Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!”
This verse demonstrates a desire to distance oneself from evildoers to maintain obedience to God’s commands. It reflects the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who uphold righteousness and godly values to help us remain steadfast in our faith.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against associating with fools, as they lack wisdom and understanding. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess knowledge and insight can aid in our own pursuit of wisdom and growth.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and support within the community of believers. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who uplift and build us up, we foster an environment of love, edification, and spiritual growth.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
True friendship involves honest and constructive criticism when necessary. This verse highlights the value of friends who provide sincere feedback, even if it may temporarily sting. Such friends demonstrate their love and concern by speaking truthfully, helping us grow and avoid potential pitfalls.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse encourages discernment in selecting our friends. It urges us to be intentional and deliberate in choosing companions who align with righteous values. The company we keep greatly impacts our character and trajectory in life.
Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of possessing a pure heart and speaking with grace. By embodying these qualities, we can attract honorable and influential individuals as friends, thereby experiencing their support and favor.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of those who engage in perverse behavior and gossip. Such actions can cause strife and discord, even leading to the separation of close friendships. It reminds us to surround ourselves with individuals who promote peace and unity.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Just as pleasant fragrances uplift our spirits, the counsel and advice of a true friend brings joy to our hearts. This verse encourages us to seek friends who provide wise and heartfelt guidance, enriching our lives with their presence.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Surrounding ourselves with wise friends enables us to receive valuable advice and accept constructive discipline. By heeding such counsel and guidance, we open ourselves up to growth, maturity, and the cultivation of wisdom.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse reminds us that our lives are a reflection of our inner being. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who have good and pure hearts, we cultivate an environment that nourishes our own spiritual growth and influences us to live righteously.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of genuine and honest relationships. It acknowledges that true friends are willing to offer open rebuke when necessary, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. Their constructive criticism, rooted in love, helps us become better individuals.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses about Only God Can Judge Me (With Commentary)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This passage highlights the value of companionship and mutual support. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy friends provides assistance, encouragement, and resilience during challenging times. Together, we can achieve more and overcome obstacles that we might otherwise struggle with alone.
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.”
This verse underscores the importance of maintaining distance from individuals who claim to be believers but engage in persistent, unrepentant sinful behavior. While we should show them love and pray for their redemption, it advises against close associations that may compromise our own faith and values.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Meaningful relationships have the power to sharpen and refine us. This verse uses the metaphor of iron blades interacting to illustrate how positive interactions with others can strengthen our character, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This verse reminds us that drawing closer to God is paramount. By seeking His presence, repenting of our sins, and purifying our hearts, we position ourselves to experience a deeper relationship with Him. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who share this pursuit can further enhance our spiritual journey.
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 verse cautions against desiring the company of the wicked or envying their ways. It warns that associating with them can lead to harm and trouble. Instead, we should choose to surround ourselves with individuals who pursue righteousness and peace.
Proverbs 11:14
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
This verse applies not only to nations but also to individuals. Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly counselors provides invaluable guidance and contributes to our success. Seeking input and diverse perspectives from trusted advisers helps us make sound decisions and navigate life’s challenges.
Proverbs 9:9
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”
This verse recognizes the receptiveness of the wise and righteous to instruction and guidance. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who are open to learning and growing allows us to share knowledge and wisdom, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
This verse underscores the influence of our companions on our lives. Associating with wise individuals can positively impact our wisdom and understanding. Conversely, aligning ourselves with fools, who lack discernment and understanding, can lead to trouble and negative consequences.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse encourages discernment in selecting our friends. It urges us to be intentional and deliberate in choosing companions who align with righteous values. The company we keep greatly impacts our character and trajectory in life.
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.”
The company we keep can influence our attitudes and actions. This verse advises against forming close relationships with individuals prone to anger and hot-tempered behavior. Associating with such people can lead us down the same path and entangle us in their destructive patterns. It is essential to surround ourselves with those who exhibit self-control and promote peace.
Psalm 119:115
“Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!”
This verse demonstrates a desire to distance oneself from evildoers to maintain obedience to God’s commands. It reflects the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who uphold righteousness and godly values to help us remain steadfast in our faith.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
True friendship involves honest and constructive criticism when necessary. This verse highlights the value of friends who provide sincere feedback, even if it may temporarily sting. Such friends demonstrate their love and concern by speaking truthfully, helping us grow and avoid potential pitfalls.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against associating with fools, as they lack wisdom and understanding. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess knowledge and insight can aid in our own pursuit of wisdom and growth.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Just as pleasant fragrances uplift our spirits, the counsel and advice of a true friend brings joy to our hearts. This verse encourages us to seek friends who provide wise and heartfelt guidance, enriching our lives with their presence.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Surrounding ourselves with wise friends enables us to receive valuable advice and accept constructive discipline. By heeding such counsel and guidance, we open ourselves up to growth, maturity, and the cultivation of wisdom.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse reminds us that our lives are a reflection of our inner being. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who have good and pure hearts, we cultivate an environment that nourishes our own spiritual growth and influences us to live righteously.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of those who engage in perverse behavior and gossip. Such actions can cause strife and discord, even leading to the separation of close friendships. It reminds us to surround ourselves with individuals who promote peace and unity.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of genuine and honest relationships. It acknowledges that true friends are willing to offer open rebuke when necessary, even if it may cause temporary discomfort. Their constructive criticism, rooted in love, helps us become better individuals.
What does the Bible say about Surrounding Yourself with Good?
The Bible encourages believers to surround themselves with goodness and righteousness. This concept is based on the understanding that our environment and the company we keep can greatly influence our thoughts, actions, and overall character.
In the book of Proverbs, for example, it emphasizes the importance of choosing wise and righteous companions: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (Proverbs 13:20, NLT). This verse suggests that by being in the company of wise and good people, we can grow in wisdom and righteousness ourselves. Conversely, if we associate with those who follow a destructive path, it can lead to negative consequences.
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character'” (NIV). This verse reinforces the idea that the people we spend time with can impact our moral and spiritual development.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who faced both positive and negative consequences based on their associations. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, eventually allowed his many foreign wives to influence him towards idolatry, leading him away from God’s path (1 Kings 11:1-6).
On the other hand, the Bible also encourages us to be a positive influence on others and to be a light in the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus instructs his followers to be the “light of the world” and to let their good deeds shine for others to see.
In summary, the Bible teaches that surrounding ourselves with good, wise, and righteous influences can positively impact our lives, while engaging with negative influences can lead to moral and spiritual decline. As Christians, it’s important to seek out positive relationships, be discerning about the company we keep, and strive to be a positive influence on others as well.