Originally used as a moral maxim or exhortation in the context of (preparation for) marriage.
So maye much be spyed also, by the company and pastyme that a body vseth. For a man is for the moost parte condicioned euen lyke vnto them that he kepeth company wythe all.
[1541 M. Coverdale tr. H. Bullinger's Christian State of Matrimony F6]
If a man can be known by nothing els, then he maye bee known by his companions.
[1591 H. Smith Preparative to Marriage 42]
There is a Proverb, Mrs. Joyner, You may know him by his Company.
[1672 W. Wycherley Love in Wood i. i.]
A man is known by the company he keeps.
[1912 ‘Saki’ Chronicles of Clovis 286 (heading)]
People knew a man by the company he kept, but they generally knew a woman by the man who kept her.
[1976 L. Alther Kinflicks ii.]
Planned Parenthood denies that [Margaret] Sanger was a racist or an eugenicist, but there's truth to the adage that we are known by the company we keep.
[2002 Washington Times 5 Feb. A19]
Related to: associates
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
