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Good Company
Introduction
Proverbs 1 opens with a profound statement: "The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom
and instruction." Wisdom begins with reverence for God. It cannot
be found apart from Him. It requires respect, attention, and obedience.
After addressing parents as vital instructors, Proverbs quickly turns to
the influence of companions. This lesson, taken from Proverbs 1 and
supported by other scriptures, explores the power and danger of the
company we keep.
Parental Instruction and Peer Influence
Proverbs 1:8–9 urges children to heed their parents’
instruction. "For they will be a graceful ornament on your head and
chains about your neck." Parents, with their wisdom and life
experience, are a God-given source of guidance. But what about our
friends and companions? Can they also shape our lives? Absolutely.
Proverbs 27:9 says, "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the
sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." Good
friends offer meaningful, heartfelt advice. Yet not all companions are
good for us.
The Danger of Evil Companions
Proverbs 1:10–19 presents a warning. "My son, if
sinners entice you, do not consent." Evil companions tempt with
promises of pleasure, riches, or belonging. They may say, "Come with
us... let us lie in wait to shed blood" (v.11), suggesting an easy
path to gain through violence or deceit. Their feet, the wise man says,
"run to evil" (v.16). The warning is clear: stay off their
path.
Such people offer promises they cannot keep. They
promise spoil and shared reward (v.13–14), but they are setting a
trap—for others, and eventually for themselves. "They lie in wait
for their own blood... it takes away the life of its owners"
(v.18–19). Sin always has a cost. Evil companions never mention that
price.
Biblical Examples of Bad Influence
Consider Eve in Genesis 3:6. Satan tempted her by
appealing to the lust of the flesh ("good for food"),
lust of the eyes ("pleasant to the eyes"), and the
pride of life ("desirable to make one wise"). Evil friends
tempt us the same way—with easy gain, pleasure without responsibility,
and pride without substance. But sin has consequences. It ruins lives.
Scripture offers other warnings. Numbers 32:23 says,
"Be sure your sin will find you out." Sin brings exposure,
often through its physical consequences—addiction, disease, broken
trust. Companions who lead us into sin will often turn on us when it no
longer benefits them.
The Solution: Walk with the Wise
The psalmist declares: "Blessed is the man who
walks not in the counsel of the ungodly" (Psalm 1:1). The solution
to bad company is not isolation—it is discernment. James 1 warns us of
Satan’s lures. Evil companions are often the bait. Proverbs 1:15 says,
"Keep your foot from their path." Don’t walk their way.
Proverbs 13:20 affirms: "He who walks with wise
men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Choose your friends wisely. They will shape your character.
Avoiding Corrupting Influence
Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 to avoid being
unequally yoked with unbelievers. What fellowship has righteousness with
lawlessness? The answer is: none. That doesn’t mean we isolate
ourselves. We are still called to be lights in the world. But if someone
begins to influence us for evil, we must separate ourselves.
1 Corinthians 5:9–11 teaches us not to keep company
with anyone who claims to be a brother yet lives in sin. We do not
withdraw from all sinners—otherwise, we’d have to leave the world. But
we must not allow their influence to shape us.
Who’s Influencing Whom?
We must honestly ask: who is influencing whom? If we
are leading others to Christ, we are salt and light. But if they are
leading us into compromise, we must step away. Paul’s words in 1
Corinthians 15:33 are sobering: "Do not be deceived: Evil company
corrupts good habits." That is the heart of this lesson.
Conclusion
Evil companions corrupt good morals. Let God, your
parents, and godly friends shape your walk. Listen to hearty counsel.
Reject the empty promises of sinners. Sin always costs more than it
offers. Walk with the wise—and be wise.
Sermon Outline
I. Introduction
- Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of knowledge
II. Parental Guidance and Peer Influence
- Proverbs 1:8–9 – Instruction of father, law of
mother
- Proverbs 27:9 – Friends giving hearty counsel
III. The Danger of Evil Companions
- Proverbs 1:10–19 – Do not consent to sinners
- Sinful promises of wealth and gain
- The trap set by sin and its consequences
IV. Biblical Examples
- Eve tempted by Satan (Genesis 3:6)
- Numbers 32:23 – Your sin will find you out
- Sin’s consequences: physical, emotional,
relational
V. Walking with the Wise
- Psalm 1:1 – Blessed man avoids ungodly counsel
- James 1 – Avoiding Satan’s lures
- Proverbs 1:15 – Keep your foot from their path
- Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the wise
VI. Avoiding Unequal Yokes
- 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 – Separation from
unbelievers
- 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 – Withdraw from so-called
brothers in sin
VII. Who’s Influencing Whom?
- Honest self-reflection
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Evil company corrupts good
habits
VIII. Conclusion and Application
- Listen to godly influences
- Stay away from destructive ones
- Choose companions carefully
Call to Action
Choose your companions wisely. Walk with those who
love God and encourage you to do the same. If you find yourself
influenced by those who entice you to sin, it’s time to step away. Don’t
be deceived—evil company corrupts. Be the salt and light God called you
to be. Let your friendships reflect your faith.
Scripture Reference List
- Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of knowledge
- Proverbs 1:8–9 – Parental instruction
- Proverbs 27:9 – Hearty counsel from friends
- Proverbs 1:10–19 – Warning against sinners
- Genesis 3:6 – Eve tempted
- Numbers 32:23 – Your sin will find you out
- Psalm 1:1 – Blessed man avoids ungodly counsel
- James 1 – Satan’s lures
- Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with wise men
- 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 – Unequally yoked
- 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 – Not keeping company with
sinful brethren
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Evil company corrupts good
habits
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ
at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
