2 Chronicles 21.6 (Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals)

But Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab, for he had married one of Ahab’s daughters. So Jehoram did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. [2 Chronicles 21.6]

I just wanted to comment today on the fact that Ahab's daughter is attributed with the evil in Jehoram's life.

 The saying goes, "bad company corrupts good morals." This is exactly what we see here.

However, unless there was something deep in Jehoram predisposed to wickedness, it is not likely he would have ever hooked up with Ahab's wicked daughter. So, to blame it all on Ahab's daughter could not be entirely accurate.

Each and every one of us carries the sin nature of Adam. That nature stands ready at any time to betray God and His Word. That nature finds outside help in wicked people, friends, spouses, etc. But the sin nature is already there - the bad-influence people in our life are only catalysts to help activate what already exists in us.

That said, if we wish to suppress the sin nature, then it makes sense not only to avoid bad company, but instead to entertain good company!

The Apostle Paul explained how good and evil are at war in a person:

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. [Romans 7.18-20]

Here is a key to understanding and holiness: If bad company can corrupt good morals, then the good news is that good company can suppress bad morals.

If I am having particular trouble morally, I should not depend on evil friends or acquaintances to help me do well. Right?

This is why it is so important for a believer in God to marry another believer!

This is also why we need the Holy Spirit in all His fullness!

In fact, God has given us every tool to live righteous and holy lives. However, it requires a certain amount of discipline our our part - that discipline includes our associations - of the human kind, but also of the spiritual kind...

Father, help me to disassociate with those people and ideas that lead me away from You. Help me instead to associate with those who are seeking You... Help me associate with You and Your Holy Spirit as Jesus made possible - knowing I would need it!