Must Read: 37 Bible Verses About Bad Company

The topic of bad company has been brought up quite a bit in my house recently. This wasn’t something that I learned when I was young, and as a result, I haven’t always been wise in who I have allowed in my life. In fact, my wisdom was hard-earned, and if I can help others see people and relationships more clearly, then my hard-earned wisdom will have been redeemed! We are going to look specifically at Bible verses about bad company…

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. However, I would say that as we unpack biblical principles on the topic of bad company, you will gain a strong foundation of understanding. Typically, the emphasis is on how “bad company” can corrupt morals. I want you to understand how “bad company” can actually hurt you in other ways. When we make room in our lives for healthy relationships, personal and spiritual growth can be abundant and help you get on the right path!

Why are we told to “avoid such people” in God’s Word?

God’s Word tells us to avoid certain people not out of harshness or pride, but to live according to biblical principles that protect our hearts and guide our growth. If there is anything I have learned in my walk with God, it’s this: If He outlines His best for my life, it is absolutely for my good. Scripture warns us to steer clear of the divisive, deceitful, unrepentant, or foolish. God’s Word gives us this wisdom to shield us from emotional harm, spiritual confusion, or toxic influence.

Some relationships become distractions from God’s peace, joy, and direction. Avoiding harmful people also allows space for personal and spiritual development. When someone continually draws you into drama, discouragement, or sin, they may be limiting your growth or be working maliciously against you. In other words, they intend to harm you. When someone is persisting in a sin pattern, it will have a destructive impact on them and those around them. You can unconditionally love someone and still set boundaries that maintain your peace. Setting boundaries is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and others.

Looking at the Big Picture

Before we dive into the types of people we would do well to avoid, I want you to consider how a doctor diagnoses a problem. When you go to the doctor’s office with a complaint, he doesn’t just ask if you’re in pain—he will want to know how long (duration), how often (frequency), and how bad the pain has been. He will ask about patterns (when or why it happens). Additionally, he will ask about the progression (is it getting worse?) and if there are any other symptoms. Finally, he will want to know how it’s impacting your functioning in daily life and historically, and whether there has been any positive response to change or help. This data gathering is so important to identifying and understanding the problem and its solution.

Now let’s apply this same format to relationships that are destructive or abusive. We can’t look at each destructive behavior as an isolated situation. We have to pan out so we can see the bigger picture. When we focus on one singular event, we won’t see the whole picture, and it could lead to unwise decision-making. Additionally important to know, a bad day is different than a bad pattern.

Denial

Refusing to look at the big picture is denial. We often don’t want to believe the reality of destructive or abusive relationships. I completely understand—I’ve been there myself. When I focused on singular events or hurtful situations, I would make excuses for each behavior or action. The reality was that there were significant patterns I wasn’t seeing when looking up close at each event or hurt. This creates much unnecessary pain.

As we go through the list, it’s important to understand that we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. We are all in need of His grace. Equally important is remembering there is a difference between making mistakes and seeking forgiveness versus denying and persisting in sin. Love without truth is ineffective, and truth without love is hurtful. As you read through this article, ask God to show you what He wants you to know about destructive relationships in your life and how to navigate boundaries with those people. We can’t enable bad behavior and call it love.

Bible Verses About Bad Company

Antagonistic Personalities

The following Bible verses about bad company speak to those with antagonistic personalities. When dealing with someone whose heart is bent toward conflict and divisiveness, it’s important to know that their conversations are set up in a way that creates more conflict and division. This means they don’t want unity or peace. Antagonistic people often twist words, provoke reactions, and steer discussions toward blame and discord. Their goal isn’t understanding or resolution but maintaining control and stirring strife.

Recognizing this pattern helps us respond with wisdom and set healthy boundaries rather than being drawn into endless, unproductive battles. Notice in the following Scriptures that each verse ends with guidance on what to do in those relationships—”have nothing to do with them,” “do not associate,” and “keep away from them.” Even in relationships you choose to maintain with a divisive person, you can recognize that engaging in the conflict will be fruitless. This is good information for you.

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

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.

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.

The Pretenders

Be aware that there are people who want to look good, but don’t actually want to be good. That is how they get people to trust them and doubt their own judgment. This tactic is designed to cause confusion. Sadly, we see these types of people in our churches, families, and workplaces. They are hidden in plain sight.

2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

The Foolish and the Unteachable

Foolish and unteachable are included in Bible verses about bad company. When dealing with a foolish and unteachable person, it’s important to understand that they resist correction and refuse to consider other perspectives. Their pride or stubbornness makes meaningful dialogue nearly impossible. Instead of seeking truth or growth, they often double down on their own views. Recognizing this helps us avoid wasted effort and protect our own peace, knowing that not every conversation will lead to understanding or change.

Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

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

Proverbs 9:7–8 – Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Proverbs 23:9 – Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Proverbs 18:2 – Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Check out “5 Types of Fools in the Bible.”

The Deceitful and Manipulative

The following Bible verses about bad company emphasize the importance of identifying the dishonest person. Someone who manages their life through deception is dangerous. Deception is the primary tool of the enemy, who intends to kill, steal, and destroy. Deception and manipulation are used to create an altered reality for self and others in order to advance sin. This is why it’s so important to stay away from deceitful and manipulative people—they distort truth, sow confusion, and erode trust. Their influence can lead us away from wisdom, compromise our values, and entangle us in harmful patterns that damage relationships.

Psalm 26:4–5 – I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Proverbs 26:24–26 – Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit… though their speech is charming, do not believe them.

Psalm 101:7 – No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

Proverbs 26:23–25 – Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.

Psalm 55:21 – His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Proverbs 29:5 – Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

Psalm 36:1–3 – I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good.

Jeremiah 9:8 – Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts they set traps for them.

2 Timothy 3:13 – …evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Romans 16:18 – For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

2 Peter 2:1–3 – But there were also false prophets among the people… they will secretly introduce destructive heresies… In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.

More on manipulation here.
Read about the destruction of deception here.

The Schemers

The next 3 Bible verses about bad company are all about schemers. Schemers are dangerous because they deliberately plan and plot to achieve selfish or harmful goals, often driven by malice and corrupt motives of the heart. Their schemes are intentional, aiming to exploit or harm others while hiding their true intentions. This kind of scheming erodes trust, creates division, and sows confusion. By masking their goals, schemers lure people into traps or unhealthy dynamics. Read that line again! Ultimately, they undermine safety, peace, and integrity in relationships, making it essential to recognize and guard against their influence.

Micah 2:1–2 – Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance.

Proverbs 6:16–18 – There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil.

Psalm 36:4 – Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.

The Stubborn Rebels

Have you ever known someone who is clearly headed down a destructive path? You desperately warn them to turn course and repent, but they refuse to do so? Sadly, I’ve remained in close proximity to people like this and have been taken down with them simply because sin is destructive. Even if it’s not your sin, you can easily become collateral damage from someone else’s choices.

Proverbs 29:1 – Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

The Wicked and Oppressive

Wicked and oppressive people intend to put themselves first and will do any evil thing to advance that agenda. They have no concern for the pain or harm they cause to others, viewing people as tools to use rather than souls to value. Their actions are marked by selfish ambition, deceit, and a willingness to exploit or oppress to get what they want. Because their hearts are hardened to the well-being of others, maintaining relationships with them invites chaos, damage, and spiritual compromise. This is why Scripture warns us to recognize, avoid, and stand firm against their influence.

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.

Proverbs 24:1 – Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company.

Isaiah 32:6–7 – For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil… they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.

Read more about oppression and abuse here.

The Slanderers and Gossips

Just for clarity, a slanderer is someone who deliberately makes up false information about another person. It is rooted in deception and is intentionally harmful. The goal is malicious—to tear someone down out of hate, jealousy, revenge, or any number of dark motives. If you’ve ever experienced a false narrative spreading about you, you know firsthand how damaging and costly it can be to your reputation, relationships, and well-being. This is why it’s so important to avoid people who blatantly spread lies about others, recognizing the destruction and division their words can cause.

Proverbs 20:19 – A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Psalm 101:5 – Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.

Bible Verses About Bad Company Corrupting Character & Causing Damage

Remaining in evil company or evil companionships will cause great harm. I meet with people all the time who have someone in their life (sometimes a spouse or parent) and are aiming to patiently wait for change. Maybe you are in that boat (I’ve been there, too). If that is your situation, be committed to the reality of their character. You must know who is safe in your life and who is not.

When we keep close to those who deceive, scheme, or practice wickedness, it will impact us. It can erode your self-worth, damage your trust in humanity and even God, and lead to shame that is not yours to carry. Conversely, being in good company with people who engage in good habits and good morals is life-giving. It impacts us in positive ways—spiritually and personally. Our energy is focused on leaning into and living our our purpose rather than simply surviving. It might be time to get out of the way of evil men! More Bible verses about bad company with warnings…

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

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

Proverbs 25:26 – Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

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.

Proverbs 6:27–28 – Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

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?

Wrapping Up Bible Verses About Bad Company

Unfortunately, the hard truth is that there are people in this world who operate in darkness, even while claiming to be someone different. The Bible’s warnings about bad company offer us true wisdom. We must lean into the Word of God for clear guidance on recognizing those who are damaging or who exert a harmful influence on our lives. Some people are aligned with the enemy through pride and deception, without any regard for the harm they are causing in people’s lives. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we can develop the discernment to set healthy boundaries, protect our hearts, and walk in the light and purpose God intends for us.