“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) We have already looked at the company we keep and how it affects our character and behavior, but let us now consider that “company” is not restricted to human beings. When tracing the Greek word that Paul uses for “company” (homilia > homilos), remember that it most basically means “at the same place or time: together” and “to take for oneself, to prefer, to choose.” Remember that what we prefer and choose is based on our mindset, whether fleshly or spiritual. Our spiritual mind only remains that way if we continue to feed it with good things. (Philippians 4:8) Let us take some time to consider what we feed our minds and how that company has an affect on our character as well.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV) It has been proven countless times that the company we keep has an enormous effect on who we are. Proverbs 27:17 states, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” We can see an example of this in Galatians 2:11-14, where Paul addresses Peter’s hypocrisy and how it had affected Barnabas. The Greek word phtheiro that we translate “ruins” (in some translations “corrupts”), used by Paul in addressing the Corinthians, carries the idea of “leading astray,” “destruction,” and “depravity.” In other words, the behavior of one can over time destroy the good character of another. Let us take some time to consider the kind of company we keep and why we choose to do so.