This time Paul quotes a line from a comedy written by Menander, a popular Greek poet. He uses Menander’s words to warn the Corinthians against the influence (the company
or, another possible translation, the conversation
) of those who scoff at the idea of a resurrection. This is not the first time that he warns them against the influence of unbelievers, whether those in the church or outside of it (see 1 Corinthians 5:1–13).
By associating with people who deny the resurrection, the Corinthians run the risk of becoming like them in thought and in practice. Disbelief in the resurrection will necessarily lead to an impoverished moral life. This problem was already showing itself in the Corinthian church, as will be seen from the next verse.
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”