1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. This sentence is taken from a work by Menander, and may be regarded as an indication of St. Paul's acquaintance with classical literature. Too much, however, must not be made of this, because so sharply defined a sentence might very well have become a common proverb, and the apostle may only have known it in this form. As a proverb it was designed to embody the truth that evil words are dangerous. The constant repetition of an immoral maxim may lead to immoral life. "Words that seem harmless, because they float lightly like thistledown, may bear in them a seed of evil which may take root and bring forth evil fruit." The apostle used it in reference to the mischievous moral influence of those who deny the resurrection. It was, to the apostle's view, positively immoral to assert that the resurrection is only spiritual; that sin belongs only to the body, and so will pass away with its death. Dealing with the proverb in its more general applications, we note - I. MAN CANNOT AVOID CONTACT WITH EVIL MEN. We must meet them in business, and in all the various forms of life association; and we cannot keep ourselves free from their contaminating influence. We are like transplanted trees; the bad atmosphere for us is all around us, and the question is whether our vitality is strong enough to thrive even under the bad influence. Illustration of this point is very abundant and ready to hand. It applies to evil thought as well as evil life. II. MAN MAY AVOID FRIENDSHIP WITH EVIL MEN. We can put firm limitations on the character of our relationships. Much of the practical wisdom in ordering our life is shown in doing so. III. MAN MAY BE PRESERVED FROM THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL MEN. Mainly in three ways. 1. By due watching and care. 2. By adequate culture of the spiritual life into vigour and strength. 3. By cherished dependence upon the guardings of Divine grace. A man may be in the world, and not of it. IV. MAN MAY BE A CORRECTIVE POWER ON EVIL MEN. Man may stand in three relations to evil. 1. He may yield to it. 2. He may stand aloof from it. 3. He may master it. The last is at once the relation that is safe; and the relation to which the Christian man is called, and for which he is endowed. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.WEB: Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." |
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