What is the ruling on associating with the foolish?

Question:
This questioner says: I am a young man who maintains my prayer, praise be to Allah. I have some lessons from the senior scholars via audio tapes, and I am keen to attend the lectures of scholars whose knowledge is trusted. I love seeking knowledge, but I associate with some young men; some of them smoke, some do not pray, and some backbite people. I tried to stay away from them, but I could not. I ask for your guidance.

Answer:
You are a student of knowledge, and a student of knowledge is characterized by the traits of students of knowledge. He does not sit with the foolish and the sinners unless he is seeking to reform them and calling them to repentance. If he has an effect on them, he associates with them and calls them to Allah the Exalted. But if they do not respond to him, he should not sit with them. He should sit with the righteous, with the people of knowledge and the people of good. Yes.