What does “bad company corrupts good character”

[Mary Naeem]

What does “bad company corrupts good character” mean for Christian friendships

The adage “bad company corrupts good character,” derived from 1 Corinthians 15:33, carries powerful implications for Christian friendships and social interactions. This wisdom, while seemingly straightforward, requires careful interpretation and application in our complex modern world.

This principle, in essence, reminds us of the powerful influence our social circles can have on our thoughts, behaviors, and spiritual lives. As social beings, we are naturally shaped by those we spend time with, often in subtle ways we may not immediately recognize. This influence can be particularly powerful in close friendships, where we open ourselves to deeper levels of emotional and intellectual exchange (Acah, 2017, pp. 480–502; Booth, 1988).

But we must be cautious not to interpret this verse as a call to isolate ourselves from those who don’t share our faith or values. Such an interpretation would run counter to Jesus’ own example of engaging with “sinners and tax collectors” and His call for us to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Instead, this principle should inspire us to be intentional and discerning in our relationships.

For Christian friendships, this wisdom underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage and strengthen our faith. As Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Close Christian friendships provide a supportive environment for spiritual growth, accountability, and mutual edification.

At the same time, this principle calls us to be mindful of the potential risks in our friendships with non-believers or those whose lifestyles significantly differ from our Christian values. It’s not that these friendships are inherently wrong or should be avoided. Rather, we need to approach them with wisdom and strong spiritual grounding.

Pope Francis offers valuable insight here: “The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” (Hosie, 2015, pp. 1–2). This spirit of welcoming and mercy should extend to our personal relationships as well. We can maintain friendships with those who don’t share our faith, showing them Christ’s love, while being vigilant about maintaining our own spiritual integrity.

In practical terms, this might mean being selective about the activities we participate in with certain friends, setting boundaries around conversations or behaviors that could lead us astray, and making sure we have a strong support system of fellow believers to keep us accountable and grounded in our faith.

It’s also crucial to remember that influence can work both ways. As Christians, we are called to be a positive influence on others, reflecting Christ’s love and truth. In this light, “bad company corrupts good character” could be reframed as a challenge: How can we be the “good company” that uplifts and positively influences those around us?

The principle of “bad company corrupts good character” calls us to a balanced approach in our friendships. We should cultivate deep, nurturing relationships with fellow believers while also engaging with the broader world in a way that reflects Christ’s love without compromising our values. It’s about being “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-15), maintaining our distinct identity as followers of Christ while reaching out in love to all.