What does the Bible say about bad influences?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that sinful company and patterns of influence can corrupt believers, while calling God’s people to pursue wise, holy fellowship and to shine faithfully in the world. Proverbs 13:20 teaches that those who walk with the wise grow wise, while Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions against learning the ways of an angry person. Paul says, “Bad company ruins good morals” in 1 Corinthians 15:33 and urges the church not to affirm persistent, unrepentant sin in 1 Corinthians 5:11. Yet Christians are not to withdraw from the world, but to be salt and light, as Matthew 5:13-16 teaches. God provides grace and a way of escape in temptation, and calls believers to resist the vigilant devil through faith.
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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."
- 1 Corinthians 5:11
But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person.
- 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.
- Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
- 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.
- Matthew 5:13-16
[13] "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. [14] You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. [15] Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. [16] Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- 1 John 3:4
Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.
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