The word deceive means: “to ensnare or trap, to be false to fail to fulfill, to cheat.” Wow, that’s a handful. I hear many young people disregard their parents’ concerns about their friends. The parents say: “I don’t want you hanging around those kids. they are going to get you into trouble.” Their children respond: “Don’t worry, I know what I am doing. I won’t let my friends change me, and I won’t do what they do.” However, 1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC) says: “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. Our friends and associates will affect us one way or another. In Matthew 4:19, the Lord Jesus told the disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 says: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.” You can clearly see that according to God’s wisdom, we can be more easily deceived than we realize. Therefore, wisdom dictates that we be very careful and discerning of who we associate with and who we choose as friends. If you associate with gossipers and complainers, that is the impartation you will receive from them. If we associate with godly visionaries and people who love God and His word, they will draw us closer to God and His plans for us. If your associations are corrupting your good manners and morals, it’s time to get rid of them and find those that will help you in your relationship with God. Selah!
1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC) “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character”
