Christian quotations by Don Bosco: Companions

"One who associates with the good will go to Heaven with them."

"The good Christian should behave towards his friends like Jesus Christ did toward Saint John and Saint Lazarus. He should spontaneously confide to them the secrets of his heart, and if they fall into evil, he should take every measure to make them return to the state of grace."

"Avoid those who in your presence aren’t ashamed to make use of scandalous words and double meanings."

"Fear and flee those who, though not openly lax in morals, criticize anything conducive to a more perfect observance of the rules and prayer, and do not even spare the authority, orders, or admonitions of superiors."

"A good Christian should treat his neighbor like Jesus Christ treated His followers; therefore, his dealings with them should be edifying, charitable, full of seriousness, gentleness, and simplicity."

"Avoid bad companions, those who blaspheme and steal and do not fear God."

"If you notice a group of boys guardedly whispering and keeping a sharp lookout for superiors, shun them like the plague. Poison and death are in their midst. Remember this poison need not cause eternal doom instantly, but it is always deadly. One may rise again by a good confession, but the poison’s affects are horrible: remorse, spiritual boredom, weakness, new evil inclinations, deplorable weakness of relapsing into sin, bitter memories, fear of God’s punishments, greater difficulty in doing one’s duty, occasional disgrace and ill repute among companions. Think of this before getting into such trouble."

"Associating with bad companions can involve one in great dangers."

"Receive the sacraments often; be devoted to the Blessed Virgin; consider bad books worse than the plague; avoid bad companions even more than poisonous snakes."

"How much harm could have been prevented and how much good could have been done, if those who are negligent, too outspoken, or quarrelsome had a companion at their side to whisper a good word. How often an exhortation to visit the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady, to go to confession, or to do some good reading is the beginning of a lad’s eternal salvation! And let all accept the good advice gratefully. After all, good advice is not so plentiful, and we should consider ourselves lucky to get it."

"Remember that you have an angel as a companion, guardian, and friend."

"[Referring to the friendship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament:]
This is an example well worthy of imitation, especially by young people who should choose as friends only those who show a love of virtue."

"Do not consider one a friend if he praises you excessively."

"Do you want your companions to respect you? Always think well of everyone and be ready to help others. Do this and you will be happy."

"Be careful not to laugh at or mock what concerns God’s worship. Don’t criticize your good companions for their deportment, their reception of the sacraments, or their avoidance of worldly-minded schoolmates. Such a mockery may call God’s judgment upon you."

"Shun bad companions, associate with good ones."

"My dear sons, help each other to cultivate the lovely virtue of purity. Resolve among yourselves never to do, say, or look at the least thing which may taint this charming virtue. If you see a companion in danger of falling, hurry to his aid, protect him from certain companions, warn him, pray for him – in a word, save him. You will find merit with God and Mary. More than that, if you notice that a companion tries to corrupt others, take action against him, snatch the victims from his talons, and sound the alarm. What would you do if a wolf, breaking into your sheepfold, were to begin to tear your lambs to pieces and you were not strong enough to fight and save them? You would cry for help; you would cry, “Wolf! Wolf!” Do the same against those hellish wolves who seek to ruin your companions’ souls. Shout it out to your companions. If that is not enough, shout it out to your superiors. They will know how to handle the wolves."

"Avoid bad companions. Go with good boys, those you know are praised for their conduct by your superiors. Mingle with them willingly. Play with them and try to imitate their speech, diligence, and piety."

"Be careful. A bad companion is one who in some way can be the occasion of an offense against God. Often it happens that even someone who is not bad deep down in his heart becomes for others an occasion of sin against God. And so he would have to be considered at least a dangerous companion for these others."

"As long as you do not fear avoiding bad companions, consider yourself to be in serious danger. In fact, fear that you are bad yourself."

"Choose your friends and companions among the people who are known to be good; in fact, choose the best among them. As you associate with them, imitate the best in them and avoid their shortcomings; we all have those."

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