THEOSISIsidore of Pelusium
The lawgiver addresses the corruption associated with unclean animals, emphasizing the directive: “Depart from me, all ye that do iniquity.” Just as mythologies have depicted strange combinations of creatures—like the Minotaur, who preyed upon children in Attica, and the Centaurs, known for abducting wives—so too does associating with the most immoral individuals lead to the emergence of grotesque behaviors, often reflecting the audacity of those mythical beings. For this reason, the Song-Bearer distanced himself from such individuals, recognizing that their companionship profoundly harms the soul, which is of utmost value.
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If we consider the argument that these myths arise because the lawmaker sought to prevent the mingling of kinds and established severe penalties for such interactions to deter the formation of abhorrent beings and prevent the proliferation of vile spectacles, we should indeed appreciate the prudence of the lawgiver. Alternatively, if we accept the notion that fables symbolize a blend of disparate morals—since it is said that God ensures nothing from the beginning is lost, preserving all events as they were—then the verse that informs us evil conversations corrupt good customs is pertinent.
The tragic stories of the Song-Bearer’s sons, Amnon and Absalom, exemplify this point. Both lived immorally and met tragic ends. Amnon, consumed by illicit desire for his half-sister, confided in a friend, who instead of dissuading him or urging him against such disgraceful thoughts, found a way for him to act on his lust. Consequently, Amnon faced severe punishment, and the brother who had been equally wronged alongside his sister was killed by his own servants. Thus, Amnon's story concluded in shame and tragedy.
Whether driven by a desire for power or a thirst for revenge against his father—who failed to reprimand Amnon for his sister’s violation or properly address the one who took vengeance—Absalom ultimately rebelled, influenced by the same misguided friend who led him to corrupt nature’s laws and disparage principles of fellowship. Such is the destructive consequence of engaging with wicked individuals. Both Absalom and his counsel faced just retribution; they could not escape judgment. Therefore, to prevent ourselves from falling into similar misfortunes, let us refrain from associating with the immoral.