What does "the company of the godless" teach about choosing our associations?

Key verse

Job 15:34 — “For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.”

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What the verse shows

• “Company” points to the people we choose to walk with.

• “Godless” points to those who live as though God does not matter.

• “Barren” signals emptiness, a life that cannot produce lasting fruit.

• “Fire will consume” warns of inevitable loss and judgment.

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Fruitlessness of godless company

• Time, talent, and treasure invested among the godless yield spiritual emptiness.

• Relationships that ignore God cannot nurture faith, hope, or love.

• Psalm 1:1 echoes this: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…”

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Inevitable judgment

• Fire consuming their tents paints a picture of sudden, thorough loss.

• Proverbs 13:20 underlines the same end: “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

• 2 Peter 3:10 reminds that divine judgment is certain and thorough.

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New Testament echoes

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…”

• Ephesians 5:11 — “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

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Practical guidance for today

• Evaluate close companions by the fruit their lives produce.

• Cultivate friendships that stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

• Maintain a witnessing heart toward unbelievers while guarding intimate alliances.

• Replace barren association with fellowship that centers on Christ, Scripture, and mutual encouragement.