A life dedicated to wrongdoing creates a deep, destructive isolation. The inner world of a corrupt individual is driven by an intense craving for negativity, leaving absolutely no room for kindness, pardon, or mercy toward anyone else [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that such individuals do not act out of innocent misunderstanding or a false belief that their path is just. They are fully aware that their actions are wrong, yet they remain enslaved to their physical desires. Because they choose to destroy themselves and show no pity for their own well-being, it naturally follows that they will show no pity or compassion for those around them [עמנואל הרומי, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Consequently, living in peace with such a person is impossible, as no one will ever truly find favor in their eyes [אלשיך].
This dynamic creates a fascinating paradox within corrupt social circles. Generally, people are drawn to those who share their values, just as virtuous individuals naturally care for one another. However, a wicked person actually despises and cannot tolerate another wicked person [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד]. This mutual dislike stems from two main factors. First, their selfish desires inevitably clash. Second, because they are secretly aware of how ugly their own behavior is, they are repulsed when they see those exact same negative traits mirrored in someone else. Ironically, a corrupt person prefers their friends and employees to be highly moral and upright, even while refusing to correct their own flaws [מלבי״ם, עמנואל הרומי].
Because of this reality, there is a strong warning against bad influences who try to tempt others into wrongdoing under the false pretense of friendship and care. Their true motivation is never the well-being of the other person, but simply the desire to bring them down. Even if the victim surrenders to the temptation and becomes just like them, they will never actually earn the affection or loyalty of those who corrupted them [אלשיך].
On a deeper, more internal level, this dynamic also plays out within the mind. The concept of a close companion can be understood as a metaphor for human intellect. A corrupt person becomes so consumed by the drive to satisfy their negative urges that their own intellect is forcefully pushed away. Ultimately, the inner voice of reason and morality is silenced, no longer finding any welcome or favor within their mind [עמנואל הרומי].