If they are thinkers, they will influence you to become a thinker. If they are kind, you will become kinder by means of their company. If they are cynical or negative, well, you get the picture.
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and told them that evil companions corrupt good morals (1st Corinthians 15:33). His reason for the statement was specific, because some in the church were claiming that there is no such animal as a resurrection from the dead (15:1-12, especially verse 12). These “companions” were influencing others to believe a lie, in spite of the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.
Solomon had said nearly 1,000 years before this:
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent….. do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path…..”, 1:10-16
“The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray”, 12:26
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”, 13:20
“Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself”, 22:24-25
“Do not associate with those who are given to change, for their calamity will rise suddenly…..”, 24:21
“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”, 27:17
“He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father”, 28:7
Solomon encouraged his sons (4:1-5) to keep company with wisdom, whom he seems to picture as the original “fairest in the land”: “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast”, 3:13-18
Who do you want to be? Choose companions who will help you become that man or that woman. Be encouraged that wisdom will be happy to accompany you all the way.