Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to today’s study of the Word of God.
Have you ever truly considered the danger of corrupt speech and ungodly conversations?
The Bible gives us a sobering warning in:
1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
Notice carefully: Scripture does not say that bad company simply “influences” bad behavior. Rather, it says that it ruins—destroys—good morals. In other words, even someone with a godly, admirable character can slowly lose that character through exposure to ungodly talk.
Even if you are not the one speaking—merely listening to or being present in such environments—your heart begins to be influenced. The Word of God doesn’t exaggerate. It speaks with divine authority. That’s why we must take this warning seriously.
What Are “Bad Conversations”?
They include:
-
Sexual immorality
-
Gossip and slander
-
Vulgar jokes
-
Materialistic and worldly chatter
-
Talk that glorifies sin or diminishes godliness
These conversations don’t always take place in obviously sinful environments. They often hide in plain sight—in social gatherings, online platforms, entertainment, and even literature. Let’s explore a few common sources of such conversations.
1. Idle Social Gatherings (“Vijiwe”)
These are casual hangouts where people pass time with games, talk, or debate—such as those found in neighborhoods where individuals gather to play board games, bet on sports, or simply share stories. While these gatherings may seem innocent, they often become breeding grounds for gossip, crude talk, or vain boasting.
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
As believers, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14). If you must be present in such places, let it be to preach the Gospel, not to partake in worldly chatter.
2. Social Media
Modern digital platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram can be powerful tools—or dangerous traps. When we spend long hours consuming ungodly content or participating in meaningless debates, our spiritual sensitivity begins to dull. Even if you’re a silent observer, simply reading or scrolling through immoral or trivial content affects your heart.
Psalm 101:3 (ESV)
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”
What we expose our eyes and ears to matters deeply. We must be intentional with our digital consumption, ensuring it aligns with God’s truth.
3. Television and Worldly Entertainment
Worldly shows, soap operas, and secular debates often promote values opposed to the Gospel—glorifying adultery, revenge, pride, and wealth without integrity. Even passive viewing can reshape your thoughts and desires.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
You may not be speaking or acting out what you see—but your mind is being shaped by it. Guard your heart, for “from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
4. Secular Novels and Fiction
Books filled with lustful romance, occult themes, or godless ideologies may appear “harmless,” but they subtly draw your affections away from Christ. Stories that glorify immorality or sin can sow seeds of compromise in the heart.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just… think about these things.”
A mind fixed on Christ cannot be nourished by worldly fiction. Choose reading material that builds your faith, not that feeds your flesh.
A Biblical Example: Dinah, the Daughter of Jacob
Let’s consider a tragic example from Scripture: Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. She was raised in a godly household, yet a single decision led to the ruin of her purity and honor.
Genesis 34:1–2 (ESV)
“Now Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her.”
Dinah left her home to mingle with the daughters of the land—women who did not know the God of Israel. Her curiosity exposed her to a godless environment, and the result was tragic.
Genesis 34:19 (NKJV)
“So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. She was more honorable than all the household of her father.”
Despite being the most honorable in her household, she fell. This reveals a sobering truth: no matter how strong your character may seem, bad company can destroy it.
If a daughter of Jacob—heir to the covenant promises—could be corrupted, who are we to think we are immune?
A Word of Caution and Encouragement
Never boast in your own strength or claim that you are “too mature” to be influenced by ungodly talk. The Bible has spoken clearly: Do not be deceived. You are not above the influence of sin.
Many Christians today have grown cold in their faith because they exposed themselves to the wrong company—online, in person, or through entertainment—and now they walk far from the Lord.
But here is the good news: you can guard your heart and rebuild your character by filling your life with what is good, pure, and holy.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
Seek out godly conversations—in church, in Bible study, through Christian books, sermons, and fellowship. These will build up your inner man and strengthen your walk with Christ.
Final Exhortation:
Dear brother, dear sister:
Stay away from corrupt talk. Distance yourself from environments that feed the flesh. Instead, pursue holiness and surround yourself with people and conversations that honor God.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up… that it may give grace to those who hear.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ preserve your character, renew your mind, and strengthen your walk. Amen.