A man told to sit with others and mingle

Ali bin al-Aqmar said that Sayyiduna Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: Sit with the great, mix with the wise, and ask questions of the scholars.

Abu Ja'far al-Khatmi said that his grandfather, Sayyiduna Umayr bin Habib (may Allah be pleased with him), advised his sons, saying: O my sons, beware of sitting with fools, for sitting with them is a disease. Whoever is forbearing with a fool will be gladdened by his forbearance, and whoever answers him will regret it. Whoever does not put up with a little of what a fool brings will have to put up with much. When one of you intends to enjoin good and forbid evil, let him train himself to bear harm patiently, for whoever is patient does not feel the harm.

Abu Qilabah said that Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Indeed, a man's walking and the company he enters into are connected with his understanding.

Abu Qilabah said: May Allah destroy the poet, for he says: 'Do not ask about a man; look rather at his companion, for every companion is guided by the one he keeps company with.'

Murrah or Hubayrah said that Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Judge people by their close friends.