“My son.” This section of Proverbs begins the warning for readers to avoid associating with what might be appropriately labeled as ‘gangs’ and other bad company (cp. 1 Cor 15:33). Believers should not be so naïve as to assume that they can hang around with godless sinners and not be affected by them or be tempted to live according to their ways. It is a very fine line to be able to associate with sinners and bring the Good News to them while staying separate from the way they think and act. “Come out from the midst of them, and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Cor. 6:17).