The Corrupting Influence of Bad Company — 1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)

This verse should serve as a warning to us concerning the people we spend our time with. As humans, we tend to adopt the values and attitudes of the people we spend the most time with. That is a good thing if they are godly people of good character. But it can be dangerous if they are not. As Paul says here, bad company can have a corrupting influence on good character. But the inverse is also true. Good company can have a positive influence on your character.

You cannot always control who you are spending your time with. We frequently do not get to choose our co-workers or family members. But we can choose who we spend our free time with. Choose to spend it with people who will have a positive influence on you. People who will lift you up rather than drag you down to their level. People who love the Lord and will encourage you in your life with him.

This should not be taken as a call to withdraw from the world and only hang around with other Christians. But it should challenge us to carefully evaluate who we get close to and the influence they have on our character. Be aware of the corrupting influence that bad company can have on you.

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