How to Handle Negative Peer-pressure? Insights from Proverbs
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2011
by Chiradeep
e-Counseling
"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it." (Proverbs 1:19)
In this passage the wise king gives some powerful insights to the youth world in regards to their peers/friends. He talks about the negative peer pressure that always tries to pull us down in life.
He gives warnings about the followings:
- Enticement of the Peers (v. 10)
- Blood shed or Murder (v. 11 & 16)
- Laying Traps or schemes (v. 11)
- Stealing or looting (v. 12 & 13)
- Corruption (v.19)
The wise king gives few Dos & Don’ts for the youth to tackle these negative peer pressures. He holds two most important aspects of a young man or woman and then gives his instructs. In one hand he holds the family of a youth and on the other hand he holds the youth’s friends/peers.
In regards to the family aspect he instructs:
- Listen to the instrutctions of your parents (v. 8)
- Never forsake the teachings or values you get in the family (v. 8)
He has comapared instructions and teachings with a garland and chain of the neck which are usually used always, for looking good and to indentify the person as rich. Teachings and instructions are to be practiced regulary in life and that should be our identity. They are to be listened and obeyed in time, in right attutude and in right manner. They are not be forsaken but are life long matters to be possessed till the end.
In regards to the friends/peers, he warns:
- Do not give in to them (v.10): This means do not surrender yourself in their hands. Always know and understand, why they invite, what’s their motive etc. Don’t trust blindly.
- Do not go along with them (v.15): This means do not follow them even innocently.
- Do not set foot on their paths (v.15): This means do not be like them. Think of your identity that has been implanted by your parents or family.
The negative peer pressures would lead to destruction. All will be trapped whoever follows them.
Dear young friends! let’s be careful of our ways. Let’s listen to the instructions and teachings of our parents or family members.
Stay Blessed!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Good Bible study Brother - enjoyed it!Thanks for reading and commenting sister...
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