"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." — 1 Corinthians 15:33

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." — Proverbs 13:20

Both texts teach the same principle: company shapes character. Paul's warning is blunt—"be not deceived"—because we underestimate influence. "Evil communications" (bad company, harmful associations) quietly "corrupt good manners" (erode good character and habits). Corruption is rarely sudden; it is gradual, which is why deception is possible. Proverbs 13:20 states the outcome positively and negatively: walking with the wise produces wisdom; companionship with fools leads to ruin ("shall be destroyed"). The Hebrew suggests being broken or brought to harm—foolish company is not neutral but destructive.

Application: choose companions deliberately. Wisdom is contagious—and so is folly. Guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23) by guarding your associations.