Gangs were not developed first in New York or Los Angeles. I still remember the sermon given by my former associate pastor Steve LoVellette in the late eighties or early nineties. Steve showed us in Proverbs that gangs roaming the streets, involved in criminal behaviors were a reality 3000 years ago. They are described in Proverbs1:10-19 with explicit warnings that joining one of these gangs is not the route to success and happiness, but in fact, suicidal. Verse 18, …these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives English Standard Version
In sharp contrast, Proverbs tells us to pursue wisdom, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and the best source for most is parents. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. (Proverbs 1:8)
I’m not assuming that most of my readers are about to join a gang, but I know that at whatever level, we choose our influences.
Read Proverbs from the Bible and gain the wisdom that leads to life.
Tom Macy 