Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending the resurrection, immediately after quoting a fatalistic proverb to counter those who would abandon moral restraint if the dead are not raised. He issues this warning to correct a logical error that uses theological doubt as an excuse for ethical compromise.
The words — The Greek phrase ὁμιλιαὶ κακαὶ φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστά (homiliai kakai phtheuousin ēthē chrēsta) translates literally to "bad companionships corrupt good morals." Paul frames the proverb with πλανᾶσθε (planasthe), meaning "do not be misled," to mark the reasoning as deceptive rather than merely mistaken.
The thread — The text parallels Proverbs 13:20’s warning that association with fools leads to destruction and aligns with 1 Corinthians 5:6’s principle that a small amount of leaven permeates the entire batch. Jesus reinforces the same danger in Matthew 24:4 by commanding his followers to guard against being deceived by false assurances.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to reject fatalistic excuses that justify abandoning ethical conduct. It demands a practical audit of one’s associations and a sober recognition that moral compromise spreads through community, making vigilance a non-negotiable duty.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
- Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
- 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
- Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
- Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
- Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
- 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
- 1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,
- Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.