Definition:
Bad influence refers to the negative impact that individuals, groups, or societal norms can have on a person's behavior, beliefs, and spiritual well-being. In the context of the Bible, bad influence often leads individuals away from God's commandments and righteous living.

Biblical Context:
The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of associating with those who may lead believers astray. The influence of ungodly individuals can corrupt good morals and lead to spiritual downfall.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of bad influence. In the Book of Proverbs, wisdom literature warns against the company of sinners and the wicked. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This highlights the importance of choosing one's companions wisely to avoid negative influences.

The account of King Solomon serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as they influenced him to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:1-4). This deviation from God's commandments ultimately led to the division of the kingdom.

New Testament References:
The New Testament continues to emphasize the dangers of bad influence. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This underscores the idea that associating with those who do not uphold Christian values can lead to moral and spiritual compromise.

Jesus Himself cautioned His followers about the influence of false prophets and teachers. In Matthew 7:15, He says, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of those who may appear righteous but lead others away from the truth.

Practical Implications:
Believers are encouraged to be vigilant about the influences they allow into their lives. This includes friendships, media consumption, and cultural practices. The Bible advises Christians to be "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-16), meaning they should engage with society without conforming to its ungodly patterns.

The Apostle Paul advises in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves discerning and resisting negative influences that contradict biblical teachings.

Role of the Church:
The church plays a crucial role in guiding believers away from bad influences. Through teaching, fellowship, and accountability, the church community helps individuals grow in their faith and resist worldly temptations. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together."

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not shy away from acknowledging the reality of bad influences, it provides clear guidance on how to recognize and resist them. By adhering to biblical principles and surrounding themselves with godly influences, believers can maintain their spiritual integrity and continue to grow in their relationship with God.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?
Topicalbible.org

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... of ponos; hurtful, ie Evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus ... plural) guilt;
masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners -- bad, evil, grievous ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

Of the Separation of the Good and the Bad, which Proclaim the ...
... Book XX. Chapter 27."Of the Separation of the Good and the Bad, Which Proclaim
the Discriminating Influence of the Last Judgment. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 27 of the separation of.htm

Spiritual Blindness.
... It was the thought of this sensitiveness of the soul to external influences, and
of the ease with which any bad influence, or bad custom or practice or fashion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xvi spiritual blindness.htm

The Influence of Tradition.
... And we are equally familiar with traditions that are bad, and with their pestilent
influence; for we are constantly made to feel how much of the good that men ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/iv the influence of tradition.htm

Man's Bad Break.
... He is the leader in action: she in influence. ... It would seem strongly suggestive of
moral degeneracy, or of bad taste, or, let us say in charity, of a lapse of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/mans bad break.htm

Fourth Tractate. Our Tutelary Spirit.
... in the Soul, the dominant is that phase which has been brought to the fore by a
previous history, then the body stands acquitted of any bad influence upon it? ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate our tutelary spirit.htm

The Conflict with Evil
... Here we encounter the devil. There is more in sin than our own frailty
and stupidity, and the bad influence of other individuals. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter x the conflict with.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... Their high places lay all round the Prophet and each had its bad influence, not
religious only but ethical, not only idolatrous but immoral, with impure rites ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

On Matrimony
... We know that nothing has so bad an influence upon people as bad company.
Now, when a Catholic marries one who is not a Catholic, he ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

Home-Example.
... The influence and benefit of a pious example; the promised rewards attending it;
the deep curse that attends its absence; the misery which a bad example ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

Some Bad Drifts.
... sin, the thing that was supposed to be responsible for making the world so bad. ... This
swing away has had a great influence upon the mass of church-members, and ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/some bad drifts.htm

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