Definitions

• Communications – In the context, this word does not refer to speech, but it means a group of companions, company, crowd, or gang.
• Manners – In the context, this word does not refer to etiquette, but it means custom, morals, or character.

Preceding the statement is a strong warning: “Be not deceived.” This passage leaps our at us, telling us that we need to be on guard and alert, for a danger lurks nearby. (See Luke 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 5:6.) In short, we must not be tricked into allowing evil associates to corrupt and destroy our Christian character.

Tremendous influences exert themselves in our environment. As an analogy, many animals tend to take on the color and hue of their habitat. It is often said that after years of marriage, couples begin to look like each other. It is clear that we are influenced by what goes on around us.