Associating with bad people will ruin decent people. This does not mean we should disregard Jesus’ example and prayer, “My prayer is not that you (God his Father) take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:15-18) Jesus gave his disciples a mission to go into all the world. However, we are not to keep a continual association with the bad company.
Being misled has a negative effect on oneself, others, one’s character, and on the peace of mind and heart. Worse still, bad company can hinder our relationship with Jesus. That is why Jesus prayed for his disciples to be “sanctified by the truth”. He also said, “Be on your guard against the yearst of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and that of Herod” (Matthew 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1).
