Gangs in the Bible?

TODAY’S PROVERB: Such is the fate of all gaining by violence. It takes the life of its possessor. Proverbs 1:19, TLV

It’s time to roll back the Proverbs scroll for July. In between vacations, shuttling kids to summer events, and outdoor activities, we can still find time to get a meaningful dose of God’s wisdom. Whether it’s new revelations, reminders of practical wisdom, or deeper insights into what we’ve known, Proverbs packs a lot of lessons into a small package.

Did you know, when authors write the first chapter of a book, they purposefully try to engage not only the reader, but the widest range of audience that they can.

It is interesting that King Solomon writes about three themes. Two of those themes seem logical: the magnificent values of wisdom and the introduction of wisdom as a “person” we should get to know and pay attention to. Nestled in these exciting themes is the plight of violent gangs. Really? (Proverbs 1:10-19)

As much as we think gang violence is a concern of our society for the last forty to fifty years, it’s not.

Displaced youth searching for purpose and power through violence is nothing new. And, if they survive and grow more sophisticated in that violence, they can develop into syndicates and oppressive governments.

Teaching our children the importance of GOD’s wisdom in practical ways is just as important today as back in Solomon’s days. Perhaps even more critical.

If there are children and young people in your life, take them by the hand. Walk with them on Wisdom’s Journey. It was a priority to Solomon because it was a priority to the Creator of the Universe — our Father.

May we walk wisdom’s Journey hand-in-hand, my friends.

Proverbs 1:19 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs