Bad Company

How much are the people around you shaping the person you are becoming?

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Menander was one of the greatest Greek poets in history. The writer of more than 100 plays, his prestige continued to grow long after his death in 292 BC. He left this memorable quotation: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” This principle has been recognized as true, not only from a Christian perspective, but also from the context of society.

When Paul quoted Menander in his letter to the Corinthians, he was addressing a foundational Christian principle: the resurrection. Some had been teaching the Corinthians that there had been no resurrection. Paul stressed that the resurrection was central to the Christian faith, and if there was no resurrection, Christianity was invalid and just a waste of time. In fact, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (v. 17). If there was no resurrection, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (v. 32).

But Paul explained that the resurrection had taken place: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20). The truth of the resurrection changed everything for Paul. It motivated him to live a holy life and preach the Gospel with no compromise, even risking his life.

You can be either corrupted or built up by the people you spend time with and the things you read, watch, or listen to. Ask God for discernment. Don’t be led astray.

Reflection Question: List the good and bad influences in your life. Which do you listen to?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Menander‚ and where does this quote come from?

Menander (c. 342–292 BC) was an Athenian playwright of “New Comedy.” The line Paul quotes—“bad company ruins good morals”—comes from his play Thais and had become a well-known proverb by the first century.

Why does Paul bring up bad influences in a chapter about the resurrection?

Some in Corinth were denying a future bodily resurrection (v. 12)‚ reasoning that led to an “eat and drink‚ for tomorrow we die” mindset (v. 32). Paul warns that this kind of thinking‚ left unchecked‚ spreads like corrosive company.