The company we keep can significantly influence our lives, and the Bible provides clear guidance about the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive relationships. When it comes to bad friends, scripture warns us of the potential dangers and negative impact that unhealthy friendships can have on our character and spiritual journey. Verses about bad friends remind us to be discerning in our associations and to choose companions who uplift and encourage us in our faith.
These passages emphasize the importance of wise counsel and the need to distance ourselves from those who lead us astray or hinder our walk with God. They remind us that friendship is a two-way street; we must also strive to be good friends ourselves by promoting kindness, honesty, and love.
As you explore these verses, reflect on the relationships in your life and consider how they align with your values and faith. Allow these scriptures to inspire you to cultivate friendships that nurture your spiritual growth while guiding you away from negative influences that can lead you off track.
Bible Verses About Bad Friends
Proverbs 13:20 – The Importance of Choosing Your Friends Wisely
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
More Related Verses:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Proverbs 12:26 – Scriptures on the Impact of Negative Influences
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
More Related Verses:
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Also Read: Bible Verses About Doing The Right Thing (with Related Verses)
2 Samuel 15:31 – Examples of Bad Friendships in the Bible
“And one told David, saying, ‘Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.’ And David said, ‘O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!'” – 2 Samuel 15:31
More Related Verses:
“Now Ahithophel was David’s counselor; his counsel was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God.” – 2 Samuel 16:23
Proverbs 22:24-25 – The Consequences of Associating with the Unrighteous
“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.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
More Related Verses:
“I have not sat with the worthless, nor will I go in with pretenders.” – Psalm 26:4
2 Corinthians 6:14 – The Call to Stand Against Evil Companionship
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
More Related Verses:
“What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” – 2 Corinthians 6:15
Proverbs 27:17 – The Value of Godly Counsel
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
More Related Verses:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 14:7 – The Role of Community in Our Choices
“Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.” – Proverbs 14:7
More Related Verses:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
1 Corinthians 5:11 – Recognizing Toxic Relationships
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11
More Related Verses:
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Proverbs 13:14 – The Power of Good Company
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” – Proverbs 13:14
More Related Verses:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” – Psalm 1:1
Proverbs 1:10 – Learning from Betrayal in Friendships
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.” – Proverbs 1:10
More Related Verses:
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Matthew 18:15 – Setting Boundaries with Negative Influences
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
More Related Verses:
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
Galatians 6:2 – God’s Comfort in Times of Isolation
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
More Related Verses:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Proverbs 28:7 – The Goodness of Building Healthy Relationships
“A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” – Proverbs 28:7
More Related Verses:
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” – Proverbs 13:20
Final Thoughts
Throughout scripture, we find clear guidance on the importance of choosing our friends wisely, as the company we keep can greatly influence our spiritual lives and personal growth. The Bible warns against forming alliances with those who lead us away from God’s truth, portraying the necessity of maintaining relationships that align with our faith and values.
Each verse highlights the essential truth that friendships can uplift or undermine us, and we must be intentional in cultivating connections that foster our growth. As we reflect on these teachings, let us seek to be friends who inspire and empower one another, and to distance ourselves from those relationships that threaten our well-being.