Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the concept of friendship is highly valued, yet it also warns against the dangers of associating with bad friends. Bad friends are those who lead individuals away from righteous living and into sin. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on the influence of such relationships, emphasizing the importance of choosing friends wisely.
Biblical Warnings Against Bad FriendsThe Bible frequently cautions believers about the negative influence of bad friends.
Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This verse highlights the principle that the company one keeps can significantly impact one's character and life choices. Associating with foolish individuals can lead to personal harm and spiritual decline.
1 Corinthians 15:33 further reinforces this idea: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This passage warns that even those with strong moral foundations can be led astray by the wrong influences. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for vigilance in maintaining relationships that encourage spiritual growth rather than moral decay.
Examples of Bad Friends in ScriptureSeveral biblical narratives illustrate the consequences of associating with bad friends. One notable example is found in the account of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, in
1 Kings 12. Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of the elders and instead followed the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom of Israel. This account demonstrates how poor counsel from friends can result in disastrous outcomes.
Another example is found in the life of Samson, whose relationship with Delilah ultimately led to his downfall (Judges 16). Delilah's betrayal highlights the danger of forming close ties with those who do not share a commitment to God's principles.
Characteristics of Bad FriendsThe Bible provides insight into the characteristics of bad friends, helping believers to identify and avoid such influences.
Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Bad friends are often those who engage in gossip, deceit, and divisive behavior, undermining trust and unity.
Additionally,
Proverbs 22:24-25 advises, "Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." This passage highlights the risk of adopting negative traits from those who are quick to anger or prone to conflict.
The Importance of Godly FriendshipsIn contrast to bad friends, the Bible extols the virtues of godly friendships.
Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Godly friends encourage spiritual growth, provide wise counsel, and support one another in living according to God's will.
The relationship between David and Jonathan serves as a model of a godly friendship (
1 Samuel 18:1-4). Their bond was characterized by loyalty, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to God's purposes. Such friendships are invaluable in the Christian walk, offering strength and encouragement in times of trial.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges the potential harm of bad friends, it also underscores the blessings of godly relationships. Believers are called to exercise discernment in their friendships, seeking those who will uplift and edify them in their faith journey. By aligning with individuals who share a commitment to righteousness, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of bad company and grow in their relationship with God.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 16:28A fraudulent man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends.
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
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Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you shall not go:
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1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
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Jude 1:12
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit wither, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
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Library
The Benefit to the Souls of the Dead from the Sacraments and Alms...
... the souls of the dead are benefited by the piety of their livingfriends, who offer...
so good as not to require these services after death, nor sobad that such...
Christian Morals. Part iii.
... and, therefore, to see ourselves interiourly, we are fain to borrow other men's
eyes; wherein truefriends are good informers, and censurers nobad friends....
One who was not his Friend Would Probably Say to Him: Either...
... before the tribunal of the church, not as the translator of abad work but... whatever
of his own, except private letters which he sent to hisfriends, so humble...
MakingFriends of Mammon
... LVIII MAKINGFRIENDS OF MAMMON. Luke xvi.1-10.... Jesus says that this world
is neither very good nor verybad. It is simply unrighteous....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvi. 9, "Make to Yourselves...
... may express the whole then in Latin, our Lord Jesus Christ says this, "Make to
yourselvesfriends of the riches of iniquity." Some, by abad understanding of...
He Complains of the Obstinacy of Trypho; He Answers his Objection...
... obstinacy of Trypho; he answers his objection; he convicts the Jews ofbad faith...
But perhaps you are not aware of this, myfriends, that there were many sayings...
Letter vi. Associates andFriends.
... or young, are influenced in conduct somewhat by their associates andfriends; but
young... people are much more easily and quickly influenced bybad example than...
Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death ofFriends
... CHRYSOSTOM 347-407. EXCESSIVE GRIEF AT THE DEATH OFFRIENDS.... For on what account,
tell me, do you thus weep for one departed? Because he was abad man?...
Miracles Granted to the Prayer ofFriends.
... Slavery is abad thing and of the devil, yet mutual jealousy and contempt are... was
no possibility of getting near him, and the sick man'sfriends had carried...
Anxieties and Troubles,Friends and Foes
... Philip soon became well acquainted with such truefriends of Chrysostom as had no...
Part of the many sources of fury against Chrysostom in thebad heart of...
Resources
Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the bad news / good news approach to sharing the gospel? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian respond to a bad economy? | GotQuestions.orgBad: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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