Thirukkural-On Wise Friendship-Kural-451

Men of worth keep away from vulgar associations,
Which to the mean are their own kin

Noble souls fear association with the mean, but mean persons revel in the company of the vulgar. Great men will never be guilty of smallness of mind or association with the vulgar. They will naturally shun these. But small, mean and vulgar people readily find their own level, and go on associating with vulgar gangs all the time, and so, get involved in low level activities.

This is primarily a warning to the ruler of the realm, but would apply equally well to all persons, king or commoner