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Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33

My mom instilled this into my brother and I on the constant growing up. Smart woman! You see, our parents tried their best to raise us to be wiser than we were. I failed a ton, but my mom did what loving moms do…she disciplined strongly, prayed nonstop, she’d quickly shout out “I’m gonna smack you, chap!”, but there was never any question in my heart that my parents loved me and desired I be surrounded with good characters.

This concept from 1 Corinthians 15 is a lesson wise king Solomon preached about over and over again throughout Proverbs. In Proverbs 1:8-19, Solomon, the wise father, pleads with his son to avoid people who try to influence him to go places he shouldn’t go and do things he shouldn’t do. Later in Proverbs 23:19- 21, the wise man expands the urging to choose the right kind of friends beyond those who rob and kill: “Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course. Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags”. Solomon says in Proverbs 13:20: “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Then we come to Matthew 11:19 which describes Jesus as “a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”

Those words were spoken by Jesus’ enemies, and they weren’t intended as a compliment. Jesus’ reason for befriending sketchy characters because He knew He could influence them positively and that they wouldn’t be able to have a negative effect on Him.

Jesus wanted them to know God’s love…even the most sinful and despised of them all. He knew that sometimes it’s the people on the bottom of the morality ladder who are most often open to redemption.

But that doesn’t negate the general truthfulness of that old saying: “Bad company corrupts good morals/good character”.

Here is something we need to understand: Yes, Jesus hung out with sinners… prostitutes, thieves, drunks, etc. … and folks know this and start thinking “If Jesus did it…I can too”. First off, you ain’t Jesus. Second, Jesus transformed people. After spending time with Jesus they weren’t the same sinners. He cleansed them. From “kids” at school, to you at work…all of us need to make sure we keep good characters around us. Get away from ones who don’t lead you to Christ or make you stronger. Build your character up with good characters.

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.