Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

Some translations and study Bibles have a footnote for this verse that says Paul quoted a play from Menander, an ancient Greek playwright, and comedian. While the notion that Paul might have quoted something from a non-Biblical text is disquieting to some, the meaning behind the verse doesn’t change. It’s not a good idea to hang around people who don’t have Godly morals. Still, I wonder about those who might be bothered about the “source” of this expression.

As I thought about this expression and whether or not Paul had read Menander’s works, a few verses came to mind.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)

God doesn’t do things the way we think he should. We see “weak” things and think they are of no value, but God uses the weak things to change our way of thinking. When Gideon had 30,000 men to fight his enemies, the Lord told him he had too many men because they wouldn’t credit God with the victory when they won. Thus, Gideon sent 20,000 men home. 10,000 men were still too many, so their number was reduced to 300. Three hundred men were perfect against the tens of thousands they had to face since there was no way they could win on their own.

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.

2 Timothy 2:20 (NIV)

This verse from 2 Timothy shares the same idea. God can use whatever he wants to accomplish his purpose.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

This verse from Proverbs tells us that all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from God. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if a non-believer said something wise, and Paul quoted it because the wisdom came from God.

The best thing to consider is that the expression is true. If we hang around with people who aren’t Christian, it’s more likely that we will change instead of them being changed by us.

Although we have the wisdom found in the Bible to lead and guide us, that doesn’t mean that God cannot use things not in the Bible to communicate with us and teach us. As long as those things align with God’s character, which is why we exercise discernment.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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