The Bible verse 1 Corinthians 15:33 states “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” This verse speaks an important truth about the power of influence and the importance of being careful about the company we keep. In 9000 words, let’s explore what the Bible teaches about how bad company can corrupt good character.
1. We Become Like Those We Associate With
One of the reasons bad company corrupts is that we naturally tend to become like those we spend time with. The values, behaviors, and attitudes of others rub off on us and shape who we are. Proverbs 13:20 says “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Just as wisdom is contagious among righteous companions, foolishness spreads through keeping bad company. If we surround ourselves with wise and godly people, their positive influence can spur us toward righteousness. But spending large amounts of time with unrighteous companions causes their ungodly behaviors and mindsets to rub off on us.
The Apostle Paul echoes this principle in 1 Corinthians 5:6 when he warns “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” In other words, just a small amount of sinful influence can spread and corrupt the entire person. When we willingly participate in the sinful activities of bad company, it changes our hearts and warps our values. We become desensitized to sinful behaviors that once bothered us. Slowly, the “leaven” of sin spreads through our lives until our character begins to match that of our bad company.
2. Bad Company Presents Temptation and Peer Pressure
Surrounding ourselves with ungodly companions also exposes us to added temptation and peer pressure. When our friends are engaging in destructive habits or activities, it’s extremely difficult to avoid getting pulled in. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us not to be “deceived” – implying that bad company can seduce us into sinful behaviors we might have avoided otherwise. We lower our guard and get lured in before we realize what’s happening.
Proverbs 1:10 warns us to avoid those who would entice us into sin: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” But that temptation is hard to resist when ungodly companions make sin look exciting, normal, or “cool.” Consider how easy it is for underage drinkers to be influenced by friends into trying alcohol. Or how romantic partners can pressure each other into sexual immorality. When we spend time among those who laugh at sin and embrace unrighteousness, it’s incredibly difficult not to get pulled in.
3. Bad Company Can Dull Our Conscience and Perception of Sin
Keeping regular company with those who disregard God’s commands also dulls our conscience and skews our perception of sin. When we’re surrounded by people who laugh at sin, joke about depravity, or proudly engage in unrighteousness, it causes our hearts to become hardened and calloused toward ungodly behaviors.
Things we once viewed as detestable and sinful can begin to seem acceptable and normal. Our shock towards sin diminishes. Galatians 6:1 warns believers to be careful of this danger. It says “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Even as Christians, we must be on guard against our hearts becoming dulled and our moral perceptions being warped through regular association with bad company.
4. Bad Company Gives False Assurance
When everyone around us is engaging in the same sinful behaviors, it gives us a false sense of assurance in our own compromising actions. We begin thinking “This must not be that bad if everyone is doing it.” But truth is not defined by the majority; God sets the standard. Exodus 23:2 warns about going along with the crowd: “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil.” Just because sinful behaviors are common in our culture does not make them right or justifiable.
As believers, our conduct should adhere to God’s standards rather than what’s socially acceptable around us. Rom 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. But when we keep company with those who live according to the world’s standards, it’s easy to let our behavior slip into compromise without being disturbed in our conscience. We must rely on God’s word rather than cultural norms to discern righteousness from sin.
5. Bad Company Can Hinder Spiritual Growth
Ungodly companions can also stunt our spiritual growth. Their indifference, mockery, or active discouragement toward pursuing righteousness creates an environment where our own faith is much harder to cultivate. Growth comes through godly fellowship, biblical input, and intentional discipleship efforts.
But Proverbs 13:20 reminds us bad company “corrupts good character.” When our closest companions don’t share our values and ridicule our efforts to pursue godliness, it slowly grinds down our enthusiasm and halts forward progress. We may start forfeiting church services or small group gatherings to hang out with friends. We’ll shy away from bringing up spiritual topics to avoid their harassment. Over time, bad company can gradually quench our spiritual fire and diminish any hunger we had for pursuing Christ.
6. We Can’t Develop Close Relationships with God and Bad Company
James 4:4 tells us “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” While we should evangelize and reach out to those who don’t know Christ, pursuing close friendships and relationships with bad company is unwise. At best, these relationships will hinder our pursuit of godliness. At worst, they will extinguish it altogether.
Ambose wisely stated: “Evil companionships corrupt good morals. Therefore, if you have wicked companions, you will lose the habit of virtue which once was yours.” If we try cultivating close relationships with both God and bad company, something eventually has to give. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 we “cannot serve two masters.” We have to choose who we will walk closely with.
7. Walking with Wisdom Requires Discernment
However, we must also exercise biblical discernment, being careful not to isolate ourselves from unbelievers we should reach out to. Jesus engaged and built redemptive relationships with the lost, like Zacchaeus and Matthew the tax collector. And Paul said in 1 Cor 5:10 we cannot altogether avoid contact with the “people of this world.” We are called to be salt and light – and that requires some level of contact.
But we must be intentional about who we allow into our inner circle of influence. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, bad company can be deceitful as it pulls us away from righteousness. We would do well to heed the words of Proverbs: “Blessed is the one who walks not in step with the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1). Careful evenhandedness is required.
8. We Must Pursue Accountability and Godly Community
If we’ve already entangled ourselves with bad company, Proverbs 28:13 reminds us “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” We must repent and seek deliverance from unhealthy connections leading us into sin. Additionally, establishing relationships with strong believers committed to righteous living is essential.
Their godly influence can help renew our minds and provide much needed accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 says we should meet together regularly to spur each other toward love and good deeds. Choose to surround yourself with wise companions who will build you up in Christ. Their positive influence can be a powerful antidote to bad company.
9. Scripture Commands Us to Pick Godly Friends
Many verses make it clear that as believers, we must be intentional about choosing righteous companions. Bad company will inevitably drag us down into sin and compromise. That’s why Scripture plainly commands us to pick godly friends instead.
The book of Proverbs, in particular, stresses this strongly: “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (12:26). “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm” (13:20). Walking in wisdom requires carefully selecting who we allow into our inner circle.
The New Testament also emphasizes being prayerful and selective about who we partner with. 2 Corinthians 6:14 asks pointedly, “what fellowship can light have with darkness?” We must evaluate whether our closest companions are furthering our walk with Christ – or hindering it. Their influence will dramatically impact the trajectory of our lives.
10. Jesus Modeled Focusing on Redemptive Relationships
Jesus demonstrated perfect balance in this area. He spent time with unbelievers intentionally trying to reach them. He saw people’s brokenness and met them where they were – yet called them to repentance. However, Jesus’ inner circle consisted of the 12 disciples and other faithful followers. His closest companions were believers committed to righteousness.
As 1 Corinthians 11:1 exhorts: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Christ avoided bad company that would shipwreck his faith. Instead he pursued genuine connections allowing for mutual sharpening and growth. As we choose our own companions, we must filter them through Christ’s example – welcoming lost sheep but avoiding dangerous wolves.
