Proverbs 13:20 – The Company You Keep
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Proverbs 13:20 – The Company You Keep
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Also Read: 40 Bible Verses About Studying The Bible
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Proverbs 13:20 – The Company You Keep
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Proverbs 13:20 – The Company You Keep
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Proverbs 13:20 – The Company You Keep
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choosing Friends Wisely
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Matthew 5:13-14 – Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
What Does the Bible Say About Surrounding Yourself with Good?
When we look into the Scriptures, the importance of surrounding ourselves with good influences and righteous company becomes evident. Our relationships and the environments we immerse ourselves in can have a profound impact on our spiritual lives and our walk with God.
Firstly, the Book of Proverbs emphasizes wisdom in choosing our companions. It teaches us that “whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). This suggests a direct link between the company we keep and the wisdom we accumulate. Proverbs further warns us that friendships with those who are prone to anger or folly can lead us astray (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Additionally, the New Testament provides insights into the importance of community. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul tells the Corinthians, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.'” This strong warning underscores the vulnerability of our character when subjected to negative influences. Paul’s exhortation highlights why we must be mindful of the values and behaviors of those we regularly associate with.
We also see in Psalms the blessings that come from surrounding ourselves with the righteous. Psalm 1 contrasts the outcomes of living a life aligned with God’s laws versus one influenced by the wicked. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked” (Psalm 1:1), it begins, mapping out the path to living a blessed life through righteous companionship.
Our commitment to godly relationships is further emphasized in the writings of Paul to the Ephesians. Paul advises us to “be imitators of God” and to “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:1-2), encouraging us to foster relationships that reflect Christ’s love and goodness. Surrounding ourselves with others who share this commitment helps strengthen our resolve and deepen our walk with the Lord.
In essence, the Bible advises us to be vigilant about our associations and to seek out relationships that foster spiritual growth, wisdom, and moral integrity. By keeping the company of the wise, the righteous, and those who walk in God’s love, we ensure that our own paths remain aligned with His will and purpose. These godly relationships not only nourish our faith but also fortify us against the negative influences that might lead us away from our calling.