What does the Bible say about keeping company with sinners?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers should love sinners and seek their good without joining in sinful patterns or allowing ungodly companionship to shape their faith and conduct. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not to avoid them altogether, as Mark 2:17 shows. Yet Psalm 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Proverbs 13:20 warn that close, approving fellowship with the wicked corrupts wisdom and holiness. Paul especially commands the church not to associate as though all were well with professing Christians who persist unrepentantly in serious sin, for their restoration and the church's purity (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). Christians are therefore to be gracious witnesses, distinct from the world and devoted to godly fellowship.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
- Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.
- 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.
- Mark 2:17
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
- James 4:4
You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
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