Keeping Company with Sinners

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

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

On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,

…or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. …