Evil Companions

Evil Companions
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Our latest presidential contest witnessed a debate over whether or not a person should be judged by the company that he keeps. Supporters and opponents argued over whether or not people are affected by the beliefs, actions and agendas of their companions and associates. Is one more inclined to be sympathetic to a particular method or cause if a friend or associate espouses it? The Bible answers this question with an emphatic yes. Consider these plains statements:

The apostle Paul told the saints at Corinth, “Do not be deceived; evil associations corrupt good morals [habits]” (1 Corinthians 15:33). The cautionary preface, “do not be deceived,” suggests a tendency on the part of people to think otherwise. They reason that they are above being affected by the bad behavior of evil companions. Adults need to understand that “peer pressure” is not limited to youths: All are affected!

Solomon also had things to say about evil companions. “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26). These words are perfectly consistent with those of Paul. The point is that people are affected by their friends. One may start out with “righteous” designs and intentions, but these can be corrupted by the ways of wicked friends.

But how does this happen? How can one who seeks to do what is right be so adversely affected by those who are doing what is wrong? Solomon answers this question quite simply: “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24, 25). One “learns” from his friends. From good friends, one learns good habits. From bad friends, one learns bad habits.

My opening paragraph made reference to this nation’s last presidential campaign. I should point out that while corrupt political alliances may lead to bad government and social policies, the real danger is when friendships lead one into sinful behavior, which results in spiritual damnation. Let is pick our friends wisely!

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.