Definition and Overview:

In the context of the Bible, "bad company" refers to associations or relationships with individuals who engage in behaviors or hold values contrary to biblical teachings. The Scriptures warn believers about the negative influence that such associations can have on one's moral and spiritual well-being. The concept underscores the importance of choosing companions who encourage righteousness and godliness.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 15:33 : "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, serves as a direct warning to the Corinthian church about the dangers of associating with those who could lead them away from the truth of the Gospel. The context of this passage deals with false teachings about the resurrection, highlighting how erroneous beliefs can spread through close associations.

2. Proverbs 13:20 : "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This proverb emphasizes the principle that one's companions can significantly influence one's life. Associating with wise individuals leads to wisdom, while keeping company with fools results in harm.

3. Psalm 1:1 : "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers." This verse outlines a progression of association with the ungodly, warning against adopting their counsel, lifestyle, or attitudes. It highlights the blessedness of avoiding such influences.

4. Proverbs 22:24-25 : "Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." This passage advises against forming close relationships with those who exhibit anger and temper issues, as their behavior can be contagious and lead to personal downfall.

Theological Implications:

The Bible's warnings about bad company reflect a broader theological principle concerning holiness and sanctification. Believers are called to be set apart, living lives that reflect the character of Christ. Engaging with individuals who live contrary to biblical values can hinder one's spiritual growth and lead to moral compromise.

Practical Application:

1. Discernment in Relationships: Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment in their relationships, seeking friendships and associations that foster spiritual growth and accountability. This does not mean complete isolation from non-believers but rather a careful consideration of the influence others have on one's life.

2. Influence and Evangelism: While maintaining a distance from bad company, believers are also called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). This involves engaging with non-believers in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth, aiming to positively influence them without compromising one's own values.

3. Community and Fellowship: The importance of Christian community and fellowship is emphasized as a means of support and encouragement. Being part of a church or small group provides a network of relationships that can help guard against the negative influences of bad company.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, social and community ties were strong, and one's identity was often closely linked to their associations. The biblical admonitions against bad company would have been particularly relevant in a culture where communal living and shared values were prevalent. The early church faced challenges from both pagan influences and false teachings, making the call to discernment in relationships crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity.1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortionist; with such an one no not to eat.
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1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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Mutual Help.
... One of these special dangers is bad company. You all have your holidays, and your
"days out," and you naturally look forward to them very eagerly. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxiv mutual help.htm

Love of Religion, a New Nature.
... their hearts feel, would own, while they are indulging in the pleasures of sin,
while they idle away the Lord's Day, or while they keep bad company, or while ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xiii love of religion.htm

All Saints' Day
... Not in myself"unholy too, without and within"seeming to myself sometimes the very
worst company of all the bad company I meet, because it is the only bad ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Poison-Labels
... Another poison-label that boys sometimes stick on is swearing. And of course that
is always bad-mannered. Another is smoking. Another is bad company. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/poison-labels.htm

Theater-Going.
... In the first place the theater leads one into bad company. As a class, the
performers are licentious. How can one be in their company ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/v theater-going.htm

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
... hands. Avoid all bad thoughts, all corrupt or irreligious books, avoid all
bad company: let nothing seduce you into it. Though you ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon v curiosity a temptation.htm

Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ...
... begun! Enlighten it to see that its welfare consists in perseverance in
the right way, and in the withdrawing from bad company. 12. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/only chapter treats of the.htm

The Penitent Thief
... it not, he had passed many bitter hours, perhaps bitter years, seeing what was right,
and yet doing what was wrong from bad habits or bad company, before he ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxi the penitent thief.htm

Christ Saves.
... I passed along to the next cell. "How is it with you?'" "Well, we got into bad company,
and the man that did it got clear, and we got taken up, but we never ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/christ saves.htm

Turning-Points
... Just as a man may mix in bad company once, and so become entangled as in a net,
till he cannot escape his evil companions, and lowers himself to their level ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

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