Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Through the Word of God we’re trained
and cultured with good manners and godly
behaviour, but some people can corrupt your good
character through their unwholesome and perverse
communication. Evil communication corrupts good
manners. Any communication that negates, rejects
or challenges the authority of God’s Word is an evil
communication. Therefore, beware of such.
The Bible says, “He that walketh with wise men
shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be
destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth
in the seat of the scornful.” The wrong company can
influence you to do the wrong things.
For instance, the Bible says, “Show respect to the
aged; honour the presence of an elder…” (Leviti cus
19:32 MSG). Ephesians 6:2 says, “Honour your father
and mother.” Imagine that you have a friend who
says you don’t have to do it. That’ll be an ungodly
counsel. The Word says, “pray without ceasing” (1
Thessalonians 5:17). But your friend says, “Must you
pray all the time?” The Word tells you to not neglect
church meetings, but your friend says otherwise. Don’t follow his ungodly counsel, but do the Word always. In 1 Corinthians 5:11 GNB, the Bible says, “…you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person.” It parallels the Spirit’s
admonition in Philippians 3:2, to beware of dogs, evil workers, and manipulators. It’s a stern warning from the Lord. When you see an inscription on someone’s
gate that reads, “Beware of dogs,” they’re warning you of the dogs inside; not the ones outside.
Also, when it says beware of “evil workers,” the Greek rendering actually means “mischief makers”;
mischievous people. The Bible wouldn’t warn you of such people if they weren’t dangerous. Therefore, if someone, whom you may even respect, tells you
something you know isn’t consistent with the Word, you shouldn’t accept it. Be guided by the Word in all you do, and your life will glorify God.
Prayer
Dear Father, I walk in the
prearranged paths which you
made ready for me before the
foundations of the world. I’m
guided by your Spirit to walk
in wisdom and understanding,
filled with the thoughts of
righteousness. I’m guided and
regulated by the Word, today
and always, in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.