1 Corinthians 15:33 kjv
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Corinthians 15:33 nkjv
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33 niv
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians 15:33 esv
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."
1 Corinthians 15:33 nlt
Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians 15 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor. 5:11 | …not to associate with any who calls himself a brother and is... | Warning against association |
| Prov. 13:20 | Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. | Associates shape behavior |
| Ps. 1:1 | 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 mockers. | Separation from wicked |
| Prov. 1:10 | My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. | Resist temptation |
| Prov. 22:24-25 | Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. | Avoid anger |
| Matt. 18:7 | Beware of causing others to sin | Warning against stumbling blocks |
| Eph. 5:11 | Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. | Avoid evil works |
| Gal. 5:19-21 | Now the works of the flesh are evident... [warnings against] | Consequences of fleshly living |
| 1 Cor. 15:14 | And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. | Importance of resurrection faith |
| 1 Cor. 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. | Steadfastness in faith |
| Prov. 2:12-15 | To deliver you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of the wicked, whose paths are crooked, and who are made perverse in their paths. | Ways of evil people |
| Rom. 16:17 | I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. | Avoiding divisive people |
| 1 Tim. 6:20 | O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge... | Guarding sound doctrine |
| Heb. 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. | Root of bitterness |
| 1 Thess. 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. | Abstain from all evil |
| 2 Tim. 3:13 | While evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. | Progress in wickedness |
| Prov. 4:14 | Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil people. | Avoid evil paths |
| Titus 3:10-11 | As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. | Dealing with divisive people |
| Josh. 23:11-13 | Nevertheless, beware, lest you fight against the LORD your God... These nations that remain with you shall be as briers in your eyes and thorns in your sides... | National dangers of foreign gods |
| Ex. 34:12-16 | Take care not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land... lest their daughters become an occasion of whoredom to their own gods... | Dangers of foreign alliances |
| 1 Kings 11:4 | For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as had been the heart of David his father. | Solomon's straying |
| Prov. 1:15 | my son, do not walk the path with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. | Speed of sinners |
| Eph. 4:14 | so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the Yamaguchi deception of men, by their cunning, inventive in deceitfulness. | Deceitful influence |
1 Corinthians 15 verses
1 Corinthians 15 33 Meaning
Bad company corrupts good character. Associating with wicked people leads to the ruin of one's own moral integrity. This proverb serves as a stark warning against the pervasive influence of negative associations, emphasizing that such companions will ultimately lead astray.
1 Corinthians 15 33 Context
This verse is found within a lengthy discourse on the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers. Paul is addressing issues within the Corinthian church, where some individuals were denying the resurrection, likely leading to a relaxed moral standard. The passage emphasizes that a true resurrection faith must align with a transformed life. Specifically, the preceding verses (32-34) caution against frivolous boasting and encourage righteousness, reinforcing the seriousness of faith and its outward expression. This verse serves as a practical application of living a life worthy of the resurrection, highlighting the dangers of worldly influences that can undermine spiritual growth and holiness. The "company" refers to close associations and friendships that can negatively influence one's conduct and beliefs, leading them away from God.
1 Corinthians 15 33 Word Analysis
"Be": Imperative verb. A command.
"Not": Negation. Expresses prohibition.
"Treated": Passive verb. Refers to being led or influenced.
"Deceived": Greek: planaō (πλανάω). Means to wander, lead astray, deceive. It implies being misled into error or sin. This deception is often subtle, not always obvious. It's about being convinced to adopt wrong thinking or behavior.
"Evil": Greek: kakos (κακός). This encompasses moral evil, badness, wickedness, or corruptness. It describes a quality of being harmful and morally unsound.
"Companionships": Greek: homiliai (ὁμιλίαι). This word refers to associations, intercourse, conversation, or assemblies. It points to close relationships and interactions. It's not just being in proximity but engaging with them.
"Bad company": A phrase encompassing the idea that friendships and close associations with people who are morally corrupt or spiritually indifferent will lead to spiritual harm and the corruption of one's own character. This includes the temptation to adopt their values, attitudes, and behaviors. The word homiliai emphasizes the intimate nature of these relationships and the shared discussions and interactions that foster such corruption.
1 Corinthians 15 33 Bonus Section
The use of the word homiliai in this context is significant. It is related to homileo (to associate with, converse with), from which we get the word "homily." It suggests that it is not just occasional contact, but consistent association and discourse, the ongoing "conversation" of life, that can lead to corruption. This proverb is also attributed to the ancient Greek playwright Menander. Paul's use of it here likely resonates with his Hellenistic audience, demonstrating that these principles of conduct are universal and timeless. The exhortation to "come out from among them and be separate" (2 Cor. 6:17) echoes this principle of separating oneself from corrupting influences.
1 Corinthians 15 33 Commentary
This verse is a critical instruction to guard one's spiritual and moral integrity. The impact of those we associate with is profound. When believers are not discerning about their companions, they risk being misled by wrong ideas or practices. The phrase "evil companionships corrupt good morals" (or "good character" or "good conduct") is a potent reminder that the influences of our close relationships can significantly shape our beliefs and actions. This corruption is not always immediate or drastic; it's often a gradual erosion of one's commitment to righteousness through consistent exposure to ungodly thinking and behavior. Paul urges believers to actively separate themselves from those whose influence would lead them away from truth and holiness, lest they find their own faith and character compromised. The underlying theme is that our association should support, not undermine, our pursuit of Christlikeness.
- Practical application: Think critically about who influences your decisions, your language, and your free time. Choose friends who encourage your walk with God, not those who mock it or pull you away.