Proper conduct is harmfully influenced by false information or knowledge; also used to assert the deleterious effect of bad example. With allusion to i corinthians xv. 33 (AV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Shrewed speche corrumpith gode maners.
[c 1425 J. Arderne Treatises of Fistula (EETS) 5]
(As saynt Poule speketh of such heresyes) euyl communication corrupteth good maners.
[1533 More Debellation [subjugation] of Salem xiv.]
I heartily wish you would‥not think of going among them.—Evil Communication corrupts good Manners.
[1749 Fielding Tom Jones IV. xii. iii.]
[The horse] would have taken the fence‥but Dandolo had baulked‥and evil communications will corrupt good manners.
[1874 Trollope Phineas Redux I. xvi.]
A disposition of such sweetness that no evil communication could corrupt his good manners.
[1939 W. S. Maugham Christmas Holiday ii.]
One can't be too careful in choosing a well-bred cat's company. ‥Evil communications corrupt good manners.
[1973 ‘M. Innes’ Appleby's Answer ii.]
Related to: conduct; example, good and bad
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
