Ever hear the expression “one bad apple ruins the bunch?” Of course you have, because people have been using that adage for centuries. But what exactly is a bad apple and does it really ruin the whole bunch?
The answers to these questions, like so many others, all depends on how you look at it. In essence, what its telling us, is that you can have a basked full of the most beautiful, juicy apples and once you dig into it and discover a rotten one, the whole bunch is probably tainted by the rot.
So now the next question is, if that one rotten apple does potentially taint the others, do you take a chance and pick out the rotten one and tempt fate by eating the rest? Or, do you chuck out the whole bunch?
In the Bible, Corinthians 15:33 tells us “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Basically, this Bible passage is cautioning us to not let ourselves be misled by bad company, because even those with good character can be led astray. Like the rotten apple among the fresh, juicy, good apples, a person with a hidden agenda can spoil everything if we’re not vigilant and careful.
“People inspire you, or they drain you. Pick them wisely.” – Hans F. Hasen
“Toxic people will pollute everything around them. Don’t hesitate. Fumigate.” – Mandy Hale
“It’s amazing how quickly things can turn around when you remove toxic people from your life.” – Robert Tew
No one likes the thought of having to end a relationship with someone, but there comes a time when each and every one of us may need to do just that. A relationship, regardless of whether it be a real, in-person one or one with a news source or social media platform, taints everything when it only creates and fosters anger, bitterness, suspicion and negativity. No one can make the decision for us, but at some point, we’ll probably have to make it — which is more important: our good character, or their bad company?
“Surround yourself with positive people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions, and bring out the best in you.” – Roy Bennett
“To all the other dreamers out there, don’t ever stop or let the world’s negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and the right people, anything is possible.” – Adam Green
“You need to associate with people that inspire you, people that challenge you to rise higher, people that make you better. Don’t waste your valuable time with people that are not adding to your growth. Your destiny is too important.” – Joel Osteen
We should never let anyone spoil our basket of apples — avoid bad company and embrace your light and positivity to ward off those who seek to taint the bunch. Life is hard enough without having an outside source create anxiety and negativity in our lives, so if we wish to be happy and thriving in life, we need to remove that source…that rotten apple…before it taints our life.
“Don’t confuse “familiar” with “acceptable”. Toxic relationships can fool you like that.” – Steve Maraboli
