Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Between 1732 and 1758, Benjamin Franklin published his annual Poor Richard’s Almanac. Like most books of its kind, he offered a mixture of seasonal weather forecasts, helpful hints for homemakers, puzzles, and an extensive use of wordplay. Many of his witty phrases survive in contemporary America. Some of them trace their idea to Bible verses, often out of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. “Lie down with dogs and you’ll rise up with fleas,” is one that might well have been inspired by today’s verse.
From your earliest days as a follower of Christ, one of your most important decisions was who to select as your friends. Who you spend your time with makes a difference in your life. Just as running with the wrong crowd makes trouble for a young person, consorting with bad companions can damage the spiritual life of an adult.
It is easy to deceive yourself saying that befriending a person who is unhealthy for you is a matter you can control. But the enemy takes every opportunity to tempt you to follow along with that individual — “just this once” — with “what can it hurt?” One uncorrected step leads to another and another, and soon you are not on the path that God intended for you. Keep in mind that God calls these companions “evil.”
There is no greater friend than Jesus. Choose to walk more closely with Him. A truly good friend will encourage that. Intercede for new college students returning to campuses to seek God’s wisdom in their choices of friends. Pray also for members of Congress who are believers in the Lord to stay in close step with Him.
Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
