Meaning of the word "he that touches pitch shall be defiled" in English

What does "he that touches pitch shall be defiled" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

he that touches pitch shall be defiled

US /hi ðæt ˈtʌtʃɪz pɪtʃ ʃæl bi dɪˈfaɪld/
UK /hi ðæt ˈtʌtʃɪz pɪtʃ ʃəl bi dɪˈfaɪld/
"he that touches pitch shall be defiled" picture

Idiom

a warning that associating with bad people or engaging in corrupt activities will inevitably damage one's own character or reputation

Example:
I told him not to hang out with those criminals, for he that touches pitch shall be defiled.
You cannot work for such a corrupt company without losing your integrity; he that touches pitch shall be defiled.