Christian Living

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Do Bad Apples Even Know They’re Bad?
by Dan Blankenship



Most of us have heard the saying “a few bad apples can ruin it for the whole bunch.” This aphorism is used to explain how a few corrupt people in a crowd can cause the entire group to suffer some type of penalty, the same way a few unhealthy apples in a bunch can make a shopper seek some different fruit. An example of this would be a large group of school children enjoying an outdoor recess until a few of the students are found throwing rocks at the school windows. The fun stops when the teacher decides to bring the entire class inside to finish the remainder of the recess sitting quietly at their desks. And, often enough, the “bad apples” in the bunch seem to be oblivious to the stares and complaints directed their way.

I have a theory as to why most “bad apples” persist in their negative behavior; they have not a clue they’re being bad. It has been my experience that people who ruin it for the rest are simply seeking attention or showing off. They fail to see the big picture. Narrow vision keeps them from contemplating beyond the immediate gratification of their mischievous behavior.

“Bad apples” suffer from a lack of perception and judgment. As Proverbs 9:13 (NIV) states, “The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.”

The “bad apples” embrace folly and chaos quite possibly because they have not been instructed to seek wisdom and character. Looking further into Proverbs we are reminded that it is foolish to engage in destructive behavior. “A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:23 NIV).

It is my firm belief that dangerously mischievous individuals have little “understanding” and are in need of instruction. It may sound like I am simplifying the problem, but I have a hard time believing that most “bad apples” seek such a label. In fact, I have had to explain the term to some people I know, even though they were playing the role to perfection.

So the next time you witness a “bad apple” in action, try not to be judgmental. Ask the individual if he understands that the consequences of his actions have an immediate negative impact on the rest of the assembly. It may, as crazy as it sounds, not have been the intention of the “bad apple” to ruin it for the whole bunch, and a gentle, polite nudge in the right direction concerning “understanding” can possibly make a “bad apple” regain his “good apple” status.

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