Your Inner Circle - Whom Should You Avoid?
The Bible not only guides us on how to live good spiritual lives but also from whom we should keep our distance in order to stay spiritually strong, but also to keep us out of trouble. Even though Jesus ministered to many people healing them all, He was careful about who He let into His close circle. Along with His family, He chose twelve disciples to be His close companions, and He also had close friends like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The Bible specifically warns us to avoid certain types of people, and here are some of those groups.
Wicked and Evil People
Proverbs 4:14-15 (NIV): "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way."
Psalm 1:1 (NIV): "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers."
These verses warn us that being around bad people can negatively influence us, just like how one rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch. Even in American law, innocent people can be punished if they're found with those who break the law.
False Teachers and False Prophets
2 Peter 2:1 (NIV): "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves."
Matthew 7:15 (NIV): "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Stay away from people who claim something is true but can't back it up with scripture. They will be held accountable for leading others away from God's truth.
Divisive and Contentious People
Titus 3:10-11 (NIV): "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned."
Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV): "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."
It can be challenging because many of our coworkers or people we come in contact often seem angry. Do your best to promote peace, but be careful not to get caught up in their anger. While we should practice forgiveness, it's also important to distance ourselves from them as much as possible. Don't fuel their anger.
Immoral and Unrepentant People
1 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV): "But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people."
Ephesians 5:11 (NIV): "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
Those Who Cause Us to Stumble
Romans 16:17 (NIV): "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."
2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV): "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
Hypocrites
Matthew 23:27-28 (NIV): "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
Gossipers and Slanderers
Proverbs 20:19 (NIV): "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much."
Titus 3:2 (NIV): "To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
Simply put, gossip can be a habit that will eventually turn on you.
These scriptures emphasize the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who encourage and uphold our faith, while avoiding those whose actions and beliefs can lead us astray. We learn Godly principles and fellowship regularly with others who will help increase our faith and obtain victory.