What Does the Bible Say About the Company You Keep?

The people we choose to surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on our lives, and the Bible has a lot to say about the company we keep. It teaches that our companions can influence our behavior, our decisions, and even our spiritual journey. By aligning ourselves with those who share our values and encourage us to grow, we can foster a positive environment that promotes spiritual health and wisdom. Conversely, spending time with those who lead us away from our values can have negative consequences. The Bible encourages us to seek out relationships that bring us closer to God, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, integrity, and love in our interactions with others.

Ever wonder how your friends and the people around you affect your life and faith? The Bible offers timeless wisdom on the impact of our social circles and how to choose them wisely. Dive deeper into what scripture says about the company you keep and discover how it can influence your path.

What Does the Bible Say About the Company You Keep?

The Bible makes it clear: the company we keep matters. From the wisdom literature of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the epistles in the New Testament, scripture is rich with guidance on choosing our companions wisely. These teachings hold that our friends and associates can influence our character, our decisions, and our relationship with God.

The wisdom books, like Proverbs, offer numerous insights into the nature of friendship and association. They caution against the company of the wicked or foolish, noting that such associations can lead to trouble, sin, and a departure from God’s path. The idea is not to isolate ourselves from the world but to be discerning in our relationships, fostering connections with those who encourage righteousness, wisdom, and godly living.

Jesus’ life and ministry provide a perfect example of this balance. He was known for associating with sinners and outcasts, demonstrating God’s love and the possibility of redemption. However, He also taught the importance of abiding in His word and following His example, highlighting the need for spiritual discernment in our relationships.

Paul’s letters to the early churches further emphasize the importance of godly companionship. He encourages believers to not be misled by bad company, which can corrupt good character, and to instead build one another up in faith, love, and good works. Paul’s guidance underscores the New Testament’s view that while we are to love and witness to all, our closest companions should be those who share our commitment to Christ.

In essence, the Bible teaches that while we are to engage with the world and love our neighbors, we should also be intentional about our closest relationships. These relationships should support our spiritual growth, challenge us to live according to God’s will, and encourage us to pursue righteousness. The company we keep can either draw us closer to God or lead us away; thus, choosing wisely is paramount.

Bible Verses About the Company You Keep

1. Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This proverb highlights the benefit of keeping wise company and the dangers associated with the opposite.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” Paul’s straightforward warning to the Corinthians about the influence of bad company is as relevant today as it was then.
3. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This verse speaks to the positive influence friends can have on each other, encouraging growth and improvement.
4. 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?” Paul advises believers to be cautious in forming close bonds with those who do not share their faith, highlighting the potential for conflict and spiritual compromise.
5. 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 psalm sets the tone for a life of blessedness rooted in avoiding the company of the wicked and delighting in God’s Word instead.
6. 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.” Here, the focus is on avoiding those whose behavior can lead us into trouble and negatively influence our own conduct.
7. Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” This verse underscores the importance of careful selection in friendships, highlighting the difference in outcomes between the righteous and the wicked.
8. 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 emphasizes the value of companionship and mutual support, suggesting that the right kind of company provides help, strength, and encouragement in times of need, embodying the biblical principle of community.
9. Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” This proverb highlights the importance of seeking and keeping company with wise advisors. It suggests that wisdom and safety are found in the collective counsel of those who are righteous and wise, further advocating for the significance of the company one keeps.
10. Galatians 6:1-2 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse captures the essence of Christian fellowship and the responsibility that comes with it. It encourages believers to support and restore those who have strayed, with a caution to remain vigilant against temptation. This guidance underscores the balance between providing godly companionship and maintaining one’s own spiritual integrity, illustrating the profound impact of the company we keep on our ability to live out the teachings of Jesus.

These verses collectively weave a narrative that stresses the importance of discernment, wisdom, and righteousness in the relationships we cultivate. They offer guidance for living a life that is not only pleasing to God but also beneficial to our personal growth and spiritual well-being. By aligning ourselves with individuals who share our values and encourage us to pursue a closer relationship with God, we can navigate the challenges of life more effectively and fulfill our purpose more fully.