40+ Bible Verses About Hanging Out with the Wrong Crowd

“Bible verses that highlight the dangers of bad company and the importance of choosing wise, godly relationships.“

The Bible provides us with clear guidance on how to navigate relationships and make wise choices about the people we surround ourselves with. While God calls us to love and minister to others, He also warns us about the dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd. 

In this article, we’ll explore 45 Bible verses that shed light on the importance of choosing the right companions and avoiding relationships that can negatively affect our spiritual growth and well-being.

1. Proverbs 13:20 – The Influence of Good and Bad Companions

The company we keep affects our path. Wisdom and righteousness come from wise friends, but bad company can lead to harm.

Scripture:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

2. Corinthians 15:33 – Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Paul warns us that bad company can ruin our morals and influence our behavior in destructive ways.

Scripture:
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

3. Psalm 1:1-2 – Blessed is the One Who Avoids Wickedness

This passage explains that true happiness comes from avoiding the wicked and delighting in the law of the Lord.

Scripture:
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked… but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” – Psalm 1:1-2

4. Proverbs 4:14-15 – Avoiding the Path of the Wicked

Here, we are instructed to avoid even stepping onto the path of the wicked, as doing so leads to ruin.

Scripture:
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” – Proverbs 4:14-15

5. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

Paul teaches that we should not partner with unbelievers, as their values and goals may lead us astray from God’s will.

Scripture:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

6. Proverbs 22:24-25 – Avoid Hot-Tempered People

We are warned not to associate with those who are easily angered, as their behavior can influence us to act similarly.

Scripture:
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person… or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25

7. James 4:4 – Friendship with the World is Enmity with God

This verse highlights that loving the world’s ways puts us at odds with God.

Scripture:
“Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4

8. Ephesians 5:11 – Exposing the Works of Darkness

We are called to expose the deeds of darkness and avoid participating in them.

Scripture:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11

9. Proverbs 23:20-21 – Avoiding Drunkards and Gluttons

This verse warns us against associating with those who indulge in excessive drinking and eating, as it leads to poverty and ruin.

Scripture:
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat… for drunkards and gluttons become poor.” – Proverbs 23:20-21

10. 1 John 2:15-17 – Loving the World’s Ways

John encourages believers not to love the world, its desires, or its fleeting pleasures, as they will lead us away from God.

Scripture:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15-17

11. Matthew 7:15-16 – Recognizing False Prophets

Jesus warns about false prophets who come in disguise and lead people away from the truth.

Scripture:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15-16

12. Proverbs 12:26 – The Righteous Choose Their Friends Wisely

The righteous are careful in choosing their friends, understanding that their companions influence their behavior.

Scripture:
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26

13. Proverbs 16:29 – The Violent Influence of Bad Friends

Bad friends can entice others into violence or harmful actions, leading them down a destructive path.

Scripture:
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.” – Proverbs 16:29

14. Psalm 26:4-5 – Not Associating with Deceivers

We are called to avoid people who are deceitful and dishonest in their dealings.

Scripture:
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.” – Psalm 26:4-5

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15. Romans 12:2 – Do Not Conform to the World

We are urged to transform our minds by renewing them with God’s truth, avoiding the influence of worldly patterns.

Scripture:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

16. Proverbs 14:7 – The Wisdom of Staying Away from Foolish People

The Bible advises us to stay away from foolish people, as their ways are unwise and can lead to destruction.

Scripture:
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.” – Proverbs 14:7

17. 1 Corinthians 5:11 – Not Associating with Those Who Practice Sin

Paul encourages believers to avoid fellow Christians who live in unrepentant sin, as their behavior can influence others negatively.

Scripture:
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11

18. Proverbs 13:20 – The Blessing of Walking with the Wise

Walking with the wise brings blessings and helps us grow in wisdom, but bad companions lead to destruction.

Scripture:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

19. Titus 3:10 – Avoiding Divisive People

Divisive people cause strife and division within the body of Christ, and we are instructed to avoid them.

Scripture:
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” – Titus 3:10

20. Galatians 5:19-21 – The Works of the Flesh

The works of the flesh—such as idolatry, jealousy, and drunkenness—are things that should be avoided in relationships.

Scripture:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery… I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21

21. Proverbs 1:10-15 – Avoiding the Temptation of Sinners

This passage warns against the enticements of sinners who seek to lure us into wrongdoing.

Scripture:
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.” – Proverbs 1:10-15

22. Matthew 5:29 – Guarding Your Heart

Jesus teaches that we must take radical steps to avoid sin, even if it means cutting off influences that lead us to sin.

Scripture:
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” – Matthew 5:29

23. Romans 16:17 – Avoiding Those Who Cause Division

Paul instructs believers to avoid those who cause division within the church and oppose the teachings of the gospel.

Scripture:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way.” – Romans 16:17

24. Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding Your Heart

We must be diligent in guarding our hearts and minds, as they are the source of life and can be influenced by the company we keep.

Scripture:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

25. Proverbs 19:27 – Listening

Listening to wrong advice or counsel from the wrong crowd can lead to poor decisions and consequences.

Scripture:
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” – Proverbs 19:27

26. Philippians 3:18-19 – Enemies of the Cross

Paul warns about those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, whose lives are focused on earthly desires rather than the things of God.

Scripture:
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” – Philippians 3:18-19

27. Isaiah 5:20 – Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good

This verse warns about the dangers of joining those who call evil good and good evil, leading people to confusion and moral downfall.

Scripture:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” – Isaiah 5:20

28. Proverbs 29:3 – The Dangers of Immoral Companions

The passage teaches that those who are involved in immoral behavior or wickedness lead their lives toward destruction and hurt.

Scripture:
“The one who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever pursues prostitutes wastes his wealth.” – Proverbs 29:3

29. Luke 6:39-40 – The unaware Leading the unaware

Jesus explains that following people who are spiritually blind will only lead to more confusion, as a blind person cannot lead another out of darkness.

Scripture:
“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” – Luke 6:39-40

30. 1 Peter 4:3 – Living in Sinful Pursuits

Peter reminds us that we have had enough time in the past to live in sin, and we are now called to live for God’s will, not following the crowd.

Scripture:
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.” – 1 Peter 4:3

31. Hebrews 12:1 – Running the Race with Endurance

We are encouraged to lay aside everything that weighs us down, especially sinful influences, and to run with endurance the race marked out for us.

Scripture:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” – Hebrews 12:1

32. Matthew 10:34-36 – Division Over the Gospel

Jesus explains that the gospel will sometimes bring division, even among families, as it challenges people to choose God’s truth over worldly values.

Scripture:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34-36

33. Proverbs 14:15 – The Simpleton’s Foolishness

Those who are easily swayed by others, especially the wicked, are often led into foolish and harmful decisions.

Scripture:
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” – Proverbs 14:15

34. 1 Timothy 6:10 – The Love of Money

Paul warns that the love of money can lead people into temptation, and we must be careful not to be influenced by those who seek wealth at any cost.

Scripture:
“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10

35. Romans 1:32 – The Consequences of Unrepentant Sin

Paul talks about people who not only engage in sinful behavior but also encourage others to do the same, leading them further from God.

Scripture:
“Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:32

36. Proverbs 1:18-19 – The Harmful End of the Wicked

The scripture highlights that the wicked bring harm not only to themselves but to others as well, leading them to their own destruction.

Scripture:
“These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” – Proverbs 1:18-19

37. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom

Paul lists the sins that prevent people from inheriting God’s kingdom, urging believers to avoid such behavior and associations.

Scripture:
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality…” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

38. Proverbs 10:23 – Fools Enjoy Wickedness

This verse warns that fools delight in doing evil, and their association with such people will ultimately harm others.

Scripture:
“A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.” – Proverbs 10:23

39. Romans 13:14 – Putting on Christ and Avoiding Sinful Desires

We are encouraged to clothe ourselves with Christ, rejecting the desires of the flesh and the company that leads us into sin.

Scripture:
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Romans 13:14

40. Proverbs 28:7 – The Wise Avoid Companions Who Waste Their Lives

This verse teaches that the wise avoid those who are wasteful or sinful, as it will only lead them astray.

Scripture:
“The one who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” – Proverbs 28:7

41. 2 Peter 2:13-14 – The Deceptiveness of False Teachers

Peter warns about false teachers who lead others into sin with their deceptive ways and corrupt desires.

Scripture:
“They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” – 2 Peter 2:13-14

42. Psalm 26:4-5 – Refusing to Associate with the Wicked

David speaks of his refusal to associate with those who are deceitful and wicked in their actions.

Scripture:
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.” – Psalm 26:4-5

43. Proverbs 15:12 – The Scorner Does Not Accept Rebuke

This verse reminds us that those who mock and ridicule others often reject correction and lead others down their path of foolishness.

Scripture:
“The scorner loves not one that reproves him: neither will he go unto the wise.” – Proverbs 15:12

44. Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron

A godly relationship sharpens and strengthens one’s faith, just as iron sharpens iron, but bad influences dull and weaken our walk with God.

Scripture:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

45. Matthew 9:11-13 – Jesus Came for Sinners, But Warns Against Staying in Sin

Jesus dined with sinners, but He did not condone their sinful ways. He calls us to follow Him, leaving behind sinful associations.

Scripture:
“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'” – Matthew 9:11-13

Key Insight

1. What does the Bible say about choosing friends?
The Bible encourages us to choose friends who are wise and righteous, as they will lead us closer to God, not away from Him (Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33).

2. Is it wrong to associate with sinners?
While we are called to love and minister to sinners, the Bible warns against forming close relationships with those whose actions can lead us into sin (1 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 22:24-25).

3. How can bad company affect us spiritually?
Bad company can influence our behavior, corrupt our morals, and pull us away from God’s path, leading to spiritual harm (1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 1:10-15).

4. What should I do if my friends lead me into sin?
If your friends lead you into sin, the Bible advises avoiding such relationships and seeking guidance from wise and godly people (Proverbs 4:14-15, 2 Corinthians 6:14).

5. Can I still be friends with non-believers?
While it’s important to love everyone and witness to non-believers, we are called to avoid close friendships with those whose lifestyle contradicts our faith (2 Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 13:20).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides clear guidance about the dangers of bad company and the consequences of surrounding ourselves with those who lead us away from God’s truth.

By choosing godly relationships and avoiding negative influences, we can walk in wisdom, righteousness, and peace.