30 Bible Verses About Cutting Off Bad Friends
Bad company can have a significant influence on our lives, leading us away from God and His truth. The Bible warns against associating with those who encourage sin and negativity, urging believers to build relationships that promote righteousness and spiritual growth. Below are 30 Bible verses that address the importance of discerning the influence of our friendships and cutting off harmful relationships.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse emphasizes the power of our associations and how bad company can erode our moral and spiritual character. It serves as a warning to choose our friends wisely, as those who promote ungodliness can easily lead us astray. By avoiding harmful relationships, we can protect our integrity and remain steadfast in our faith.
2. Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs teaches that the people we surround ourselves with influence our behavior. Walking with the wise strengthens us, while being in the company of fools leads to harm. This verse encourages us to seek out friendships that promote wisdom and righteousness, as our companions shape our path in life.
3. Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
The righteous are called to be discerning in their friendships, understanding that choosing the wrong company can have dire consequences. This verse highlights the importance of intentionality in our relationships, guiding us to surround ourselves with those who will encourage our faith rather than leading us into sin.
4. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse speaks directly to the importance of avoiding close partnerships with those who do not share our faith. A “yoke” implies an intimate connection or partnership, and this scripture warns that joining with those who are spiritually opposed to us can lead to a weakening of our faith and values.
5. Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
This verse from Psalm 1 teaches the value of avoiding the company of those who mock or reject God. It describes the blessed person as someone who avoids engaging in sin, emphasizing that the people we choose to associate with shape our attitudes and actions. Choosing righteous friendships leads to joy and stability.
6. Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Associating with individuals who have a volatile temper can negatively influence our own behavior. This verse warns against friendships that foster anger and division, encouraging us to avoid relationships that could lead us into sinful reactions and entrap us in unhealthy patterns.
7. Proverbs 14:7 – “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Wisdom is often hindered by foolishness, and this verse advises staying away from those whose words and actions are unwise. It highlights the futility of seeking knowledge or wisdom from individuals who lack understanding, encouraging us to build relationships with those who inspire growth and learning.
8. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 – “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
These verses warn against associating with those who distort the truth and cause division in the faith. Such people are described as self-centered, argumentative, and spiritually misguided. This passage encourages believers to avoid such individuals, as their influence can derail one’s spiritual growth and lead to conflict.
9. Proverbs 4:14-15 – “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.”
This scripture gives clear advice to avoid the path of the wicked entirely, which includes avoiding harmful relationships. It urges believers to actively turn away from associations that may lead to sin and destruction, reinforcing the importance of making wise choices in our friendships.
10. Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians encourages believers to distance themselves from actions that are dark or sinful. By exposing and not participating in these deeds, we maintain our integrity and purity. This verse is a call to not only avoid bad company but to actively oppose their actions in a way that honors God.
11. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 – “Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”
Paul advises believers to avoid those who refuse to obey God’s teachings. This isn’t an act of hatred but one of correction and discipline, aiming to bring the individual to repentance. The goal is not to sever all relationship but to distance oneself from their destructive influence.
12. 1 Corinthians 5:11 – “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, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
This verse gives clear instructions on the type of relationships believers should avoid. Associating with people who claim to be Christians but continue in sin can be detrimental to one’s own walk with God. This passage teaches that we should cut off relationships that promote sinful behavior to maintain purity.
13. Proverbs 23:20-21 – “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
These verses warn against associating with people who indulge in destructive habits like drunkenness or gluttony. These behaviors often lead to poor outcomes, including financial and spiritual ruin. Avoiding such company is crucial to maintaining a disciplined and godly lifestyle.
14. Proverbs 16:29 – “A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
Violence, both physical and verbal, can lead others into sin and harm. This verse warns against associating with individuals who exhibit violent behavior, as their influence can steer us down dangerous paths. Choosing peace-loving friends helps us live a life of righteousness.
15. Psalm 26:4 – “I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.”
David expresses his resolve to avoid deceitful and hypocritical individuals. This verse underscores the importance of avoiding friendships that encourage dishonesty or duplicity. Associating with those who live authentically in righteousness can strengthen our own character.
16. Proverbs 28:7 – “The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but the companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”
This verse highlights the importance of keeping the law and associating with those who uphold moral values. A companion of gluttons—those who indulge excessively and lack self-control—can bring disgrace and dishonor. Avoiding bad influences helps protect one’s integrity and reputation.
17. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 – “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.”
Paul warns Timothy against engaging in ungodly conversations, as such discussions can lead to further sin. The influence of those who speak falsely can spread quickly, corrupting others. Cutting off these types of relationships is essential to maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual health.
18. Proverbs 25:17 – “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. Overcommitting to any one friendship can lead to negative feelings, especially if that friendship encourages selfishness or codependency. It teaches us to be wise in how we spend our time with others.
19. Titus 3:10 – “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
The Bible advises not to tolerate divisive individuals who spread discord. After warning them twice, we are instructed to sever ties. This helps maintain unity and peace within the body of Christ and prevents harmful influences from spreading.
20. Psalm 101:4 – “The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.”
David commits to keeping his heart pure by avoiding perverseness and evil. This verse speaks to the importance of guarding our hearts and ensuring that the friendships we maintain do not lead us into sin or moral compromise.
21. Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Jesus cautions against wasting our time and energy on those who reject what is holy. This includes individuals who mock or despise the truth. This verse advises believers to be discerning in their relationships, choosing not to invest in those who have no regard for spiritual matters.
22. Proverbs 1:10 – “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
This verse is a direct warning to resist the temptation of joining with those who lead us into sin. It encourages believers to recognize when a friendship is pulling them away from God and to stand firm in avoiding such enticements.
23. Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Jesus provides a process for handling sin within the church, but this principle can apply to relationships as well. If someone persists in sin and rejects correction, the Bible instructs us to distance ourselves from them. This helps protect both parties from further harm.
24. 1 John 2:19 – “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.”
This verse speaks to the reality of false friendships within the faith community. Some may appear to be believers but eventually reveal their true nature by leaving the fellowship. It teaches us to discern those who truly align with our values and beliefs.
25. 1 Corinthians 10:21 – “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
This verse underscores the incompatibility between following Christ and engaging in relationships or activities that lead us into sin. It highlights the necessity of separating ourselves from influences that could pull us away from our commitment to God.
26. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs highlights the value of positive relationships that challenge and build us up in our faith. Good friendships should sharpen us toward righteousness, while bad friendships dull our spiritual edge. We are encouraged to seek out friends who will help us grow in wisdom.
27. 2 John 1:10 – “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.”
This verse warns against opening the door to those who do not teach sound doctrine. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and relationships from those who could lead us astray with false beliefs.
28. James 4:4 – “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James warns that worldly friendships can lead us to conflict with God. Those who prioritize worldly values over godly principles are not friends we should align with. This verse encourages believers to choose God over fleeting, worldly friendships.
29. Amos 3:3 – “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
Amos asks a rhetorical question, emphasizing the importance of shared values in relationships. Walking together implies a unity of purpose, and this verse encourages us to only align with others who share our commitment to God’s ways.
30. Romans 16:17 – “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
Paul urges believers to avoid those who cause division and hinder the faith. This verse shows the importance of recognizing negative influences and maintaining unity by distancing ourselves from individuals who disrupt the truth of the gospel.
Conclusion
The Bible emphasizes the importance of choosing our relationships wisely. Cutting off bad friendships is a way to protect our faith, our hearts, and our walk with God. By aligning ourselves with righteous companions, we can grow in wisdom, avoid sin, and live in the fullness of God’s calling.
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