Negative influences can have a profound impact on one's spiritual well-being, as the Bible warns against associating with those who would lead us astray. The book of Proverbs cautions that walking with the wicked can bring harm, advising us to avoid those who would corrupt our character, as seen in Proverbs 16:28 and 22:24-25. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 notes that bad company can corrupt good morals. The wisdom of Proverbs 13:20 also reminds us that the company we keep can either help or hinder our spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of choosing friends wisely to maintain a strong faith.
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And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.
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.
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.