If we associate ourselves with “bad company,” our lives will reflect the negative influence they have on us. The opposite is also true; godly friends can have a positive influence on our character and actions. In friendships, as in other areas of life, our enemy's goal in spiritual warfare is to outwit us as believers. In all our relationships we need to be on guard against his schemes. If we fail to be alert or discerning about people, we will be drawn into the wrong kind of relationships, with the destructive or sinful effects.