Our associations can greatly influence our lives. Let’s turn to the Bible for guidance on choosing our companions wisely, as we explore verses that caution against the dangers of being ensnared by the wrong crowd.
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Bible Verses About Hanging Out With The Wrong Crowd
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our company wisely. When we surround ourselves with wise and discerning individuals, we are more likely to make wise choices and avoid harm. However, if we choose to associate with foolish and unwise people, we are likely to be influenced by their negative behaviors and suffer the consequences.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning against the influence of bad company. When we spend time with people who have questionable character or engage in immoral behavior, it can gradually corrupt our own character. It is essential to choose friends and companions whose values align with our own, as they can positively contribute to our character development.
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 verse encourages us to refrain from walking with the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, or sitting in the company of mockers. Instead, we are called to find joy and delight in the teachings of the Lord. By focusing on God’s word and seeking His guidance, we can maintain a righteous path and distance ourselves from the negative influences of the wrong crowd.
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.”
This verse warns against forming close relationships with individuals who have a hot temper or are easily angered. Spending time with such people can cause us to adopt their negative traits and become ensnared in their patterns of behavior. It is crucial to be cautious about the company we keep and surround ourselves with individuals who exhibit godly virtues.
Psalm 26:4-5
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.”
Here, the psalmist expresses his commitment to avoid the company of deceitful individuals and hypocrites. He detests joining gatherings or sitting with those who engage in wickedness. This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining our integrity and distancing ourselves from those who are engaged in dishonest and immoral actions.
Proverbs 1:10
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
In this verse, a father offers advice to his son, cautioning him against yielding to the temptation of sinful individuals. It serves as a reminder to resist the influence of those who may try to lead us astray. It is essential to stay strong in our convictions and stand firm in our faith, even in the face of pressure from the wrong crowd.
1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
In this epistle, Paul encourages believers to avoid association with those who claim to be part of the Christian community but continue to engage in immoral behavior. This verse stresses the importance of maintaining purity and separating ourselves from individuals who persistently live in sin. It reminds us that our associations should align with our faith and values.
Proverbs 24:1-2
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”
This verse advises against desiring the company of the wicked or envying their lifestyles. It highlights the destructive nature of their hearts, which are inclined towards violence and causing trouble. As believers, we should seek to cultivate relationships that inspire righteousness and promote peace rather than being drawn to the negative influence of the wrong crowd.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse admonishes believers against forming deep friendships with the world and its values. It reminds us that aligning ourselves with worldly perspectives and behaviors can create enmity between us and God. As followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize our friendship with God above any worldly relationships and to be cautious about who we choose to associate with.
1 Peter 4:3-4
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
In this passage, Peter acknowledges that believers have already wasted enough time participating in the sinful lifestyles of the past. He acknowledges the allure of the wrong crowd’s reckless and wild living. However, he advises believers to stand firm in their commitment to live differently and not succumb to the abuse or pressure they may face as a result of their separation from the wrong crowd.
Proverbs 9:6
“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
This verse encourages individuals to abandon their foolish and naive ways and instead seek wisdom and insight. It reminds us that choosing to walk in the company of those who possess godly wisdom and understanding can lead to a more fulfilled and meaningful life, opposed to the negative consequences that are usually associated with hanging out with the wrong crowd.
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 against being in close relationships or partnerships with unbelievers. He emphasizes the vast disparity between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness. This verse reminds us of the fundamental differences between a life grounded in faith and one governed by unbelief. It encourages us to surround ourselves with individuals who share our devotion to God.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse cautions us against forming close friendships with unreliable individuals. It acknowledges the potential consequences of relying on friends who are not trustworthy. However, it also shines a light on the value of having a true friend who remains faithful and loyal, even closer than a biological brother. It encourages us to seek genuine friendships that have a positive and lasting impact on our lives.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with fellow believers. As we embrace the truth of God’s Word and live in accordance with His teachings, we are united with others who do the same. It reminds us of the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood, which purifies us from all sin and enables us to have meaningful and godly relationships with others.
Psalm 119:63
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.”
The psalmist declares his loyalty and companionship with those who fear and honor God, as well as those who diligently keep His commandments. This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who share our commitment to living according to God’s principles. It reminds us that our companions can have a significant impact on our spiritual journey.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against associating with fools, as they lack wisdom and knowledge. Spending time with individuals who lack understanding can hinder our own growth and learning. It encourages us to be discerning in our relationships, seeking those who can contribute knowledge and wisdom to our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
In this verse, Paul highlights the incompatibility between aligning ourselves with the Lord and indulging in activities associated with evil influences. It underscores the need to distance ourselves from the ways of the wrong crowd and choose a life dedicated to following Christ. It reminds us that our loyalty cannot be divided between God and the ways of the world.
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
This verse advises against stepping onto the path of the wicked or following the way of evildoers. It encourages us to avoid even being in proximity to such influences. Instead, we are encouraged to turn away from these paths and continue on our journey in the direction of righteousness, love, and obedience to God’s commandments.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the importance of friendships founded on love and loyalty. It emphasizes the role of a true friend and the support they provide particularly during times of adversity. It reminds us of the beauty of companionship built on trust, understanding, and unwavering love for one another.
Psalm 101:4-5
“The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil. Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
Here, the psalmist expresses his commitment to distance himself from those with perverse hearts and to reject evil. He vows to silence those who slander others in secret and declares his refusal to tolerate those who have a proud and haughty heart. This verse reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess integrity and humility.
Proverbs 13:19
“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.”
This verse highlights the differing attitudes toward turning away from evil. It emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that comes from forsaking sinful ways and embracing righteousness. Conversely, it highlights the reluctance of fools to abandon their evil practices. It reinforces the significance of making choices that align with God’s will and experiencing the satisfaction that accompanies a life devoted to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”
Paul warns the Corinthians about the corrupting influence of bad company on their character. He urges them to return to their senses and stop sinning. He states that some of them are ignorant of God, which he expresses as a disgrace. This verse underscores the importance of being aware of the impact our associations can have on our character and urges us to remain steadfast in our commitment to righteousness.
Psalm 119:115
“Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!”
The psalmist expresses his desire to separate himself from evildoers so that he can faithfully keep God’s commandments. This verse highlights the need to distance ourselves from individuals and influences that may hinder our obedience to God’s Word. It reinforces the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse presents a metaphor describing how the companionship of one individual can influence and refine another. Just as iron is sharpened by contact with other iron, our interactions with wise and godly individuals can shape and strengthen our character. It encourages us to seek out relationships that inspire growth and sharpen us in our faith.