What does the Bible say about bad friends?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that close companionship with sinful influences can corrupt our character, draw us into temptation, and weaken our walk with God, so believers should pursue wise, godly friendships. First Corinthians 15:33 teaches that bad company ruins good morals, while Proverbs 13:20 contrasts walking with the wise and keeping company with fools. Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions against intimate friendship with the hot-tempered, lest their ways become our own. Yet Scripture does not call Christians to prideful isolation: believers are to love others, discern falsehood, and remain faithful witnesses. In Christ, God provides both forgiveness for past influences and grace to choose friendships that encourage holiness, truth, and perseverance.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Matthew 5:30
If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not your whole body be thrown into Gehenna.
- Proverbs 22:24-25
[24] Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors anger: [25] Lest you learn his ways, And ensnare your soul.
- Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
- Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
- Proverbs 14:7
Stay away from a foolish man, For you won't find knowledge on his lips.
- 1 John 4:8
He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
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