The Bible is very clear: if we’re going to walk in wisdom and please God, there are some people we have to cut off. 1 Corinthians 15:33 teaches us, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Don’t lie to yourself or let anyone try to tell you it won’t affect you! Ungodly and unholy people infect those who stay around them. The word for “communications” in that verse is a Greek word (S:3657) that actually means companionship — it’s about the COMPANY you keep and people you ASSOCIATE with. Many people find that engaging in an online Bible study helps them find the right community to replace these negative influences. Here is a list of 10 types of people you should cut off today! 

1. The wicked and evil person (Prov. 4:14-19; 16:29-30; 24:1-2)

Don’t enter in the path of those who do wrong, walking contrary to God’s Word. Don’t go in the way with them. Their actions and words are involved with mischievousness, violence, and destruction and they cause people to fall.

2. The froward and perverse (Prov. 4:24)

 If a person’s mouth is off the hook, put them away or far from you. Why continually be around someone whose mouth reflects a heart that is disobedient, crooked, opposed to what’s right, and turned from what’s good? They sow strife, fall into mischief,  and find no good ((Prov. 16:28; 17:20). Get away!

3. The strange woman (Prov. 6:23-24)

Run for your life and get away from anyone that would lead you astray and into sexual sin! Joseph is a perfect example of what to do (Gen. 39:7-13). Flee fornication (1 Cor. 6:18)! Using specific Bible study tools to meditate on Joseph’s victory can strengthen your resolve.

4. The foolish man (Prov. 14:7)

If you find someone is foolish in their words and actions, and they have no desire to grow in knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and instruction, cut them off! That attitude rubs off! The Bible even tells us, “a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20). Run!

5. The angry man (Prov. 22:24-25)

The Bible makes it plain: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” You don’t want to learn that mindset and get caught up in the many problems (Prov. 15:18; 29:22) that follow their fury!

6. The whisperer & talebearer (Prov. 16:27-28)

Get away from the ones that spread gossip! If you find they usually have a negative story to tell, dirt they dug up, and a secret to whisper, they should not be in your circle. You’ll notice when the talebearer (along with their hot topic and fresh news) are gone, strife ceases and people stop being wounded (Prov. 26:20-22).

7. The one who causes divisions and offences (Rom. 16:17-18)

Have you noticed that some people are continually in the center of mess? Paul wrote, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Causing divisions, offending people, and stirring up drama? Mark and avoid immediately!

8. The drunk (Prov. 23:20-21)

Your circle should not be drinking and carrying on foolishly. When people do, Prov. 31:5 is true, “they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment,” or make bad decisions. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Joining online Bible classes can help you find friends who prioritize being filled with the Spirit instead.

9. The disobedient (2 Thess. 3:14-15)

 When God’s Word comes clearly, and someone in church refuses to obey it, the Bible says, “note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” They’re not your enemy and you caution your brothers and sisters to line up with the Word, but until they do, the stubbornly disobedient should not be your social companion and running buddy.

10. The brother who chooses to continually sin (1 Cor. 5:9-11)

If we were going to avoid every person who sins, we’d have to leave planet earth, but if someone is proclaiming they’re saved yet choosing to continually live a lifestyle of sin, cut them off! Specifically, do not “keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” 

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Today is a great day to look at your friends and check your circle. When we separate from people not pleasing in God’s sight, it’s not because we don’t love them; it’s because we love God more! His commandments are sure (2 Cor. 6:14-18) and His Word is true (1 Cor. 15:33): If you do not separate, they’ll infect you and could affect generations. Walk in wisdom, and cut off anybody and anything that fights against your spiritual goals and contradicts your desire to please God. Let’s use wisdom in real life.

Key Takeaways for Building a Godly Social Circle

Maintaining a spiritual circle is essential for any believer who desires to grow. To help you evaluate your associations, Just Word Ministries offers various ways to study the Bible and its teachings on companionship. By using focused Bible study tools, you can clearly see the character traits God warns us to avoid. If you have recently cut off negative influences, joining our online Bible study community or enrolling in the best online Bible courses can help you find a new, healthy spiritual family. Our online Bible classes are designed to help you stay sharp and surrounded by those who love the unadulterated truth. Remember, your circle determines your direction; choose to study the Bible online with those who are as committed to holiness as you are.