Gangs come in various sizes and flavors. So does greed.

Take Proverbs 1:10-19 for example. Yes, they were around in ancient times as well! Did you really think that gangs were a modern phenomenon?

“Prov. 1:10      My son, if sinners entice you,

                        do not consent.

Prov. 1:11       If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;

                        let us ambush the innocent without reason;

Prov. 1:12       like Sheol let us swallow them alive,

                        and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

Prov. 1:13       we shall find all precious goods,

                        we shall fill our houses with plunder;

Prov. 1:14       throw in your lot among us;

                        we will all have one purse”—

Prov. 1:15       my son, do not walk in the way with them;

                        hold back your foot from their paths,

Prov. 1:16       for their feet run to evil,

                        and they make haste to shed blood.

Prov. 1:17       For in vain is a net spread

                        in the sight of any bird,

Prov. 1:18       but these men lie in wait for their own blood;

                        they set an ambush for their own lives.

Prov. 1:19       Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;

                        it takes away the life of its possessors.”

The enticements of a gang are many. Love of violence (and control?) for its own sake, easy money, and being “one of the gang”—literally—all play their part. But in verses 18 and 19, the father-teacher points out something that the gang does not tell its recruits: Evil and violence are self-defeating. Indeed, evil and violence are not so much a quick way to easy money, as they are a quick way to an early grave.

But notice how verse 19 is not content to simply point out the danger of gangs. “Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors” (italics mine). This broadens the warning to include more than the danger of gangs.

The same Hebrew word that is used for “unjust gain” in 1:19 is used in connection with the taking of bribes in Prov. 15:27

            “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

                        but he who hates bribes will live.” (English Standard Version)

Notice the word “whoever” in this verse. This proverb is not just talking about the danger of gangs for a young person. It is generalized to involve anyone who takes a bribe.

Similarly, Proverbs 28:16 speaks of the danger of a ruler taking a unjust gain:

“A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

                        but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.”

Apparently, those in positions of political authority were especially prone to shorten their days, their very lives, with unjust gain. Imagine that! Political corruption and cruelty! I’m certainly glad that we don’t have that these days! (Yes, you’re right: I am being ironic, if not sarcastic.)

But lest we too quickly let our own selves off the unjust gain hook, perhaps we should think more deeply about the danger. Let me personalize the matter by asking myself some uncomfortable questions.

In what way might I be profiting by the cruelty of others? Have I ever bothered to examine my investment portfolios to see specifically the investments that my Edward Jones folks are doing on my behalf? Am I as innocent in these matters as I would like to believe? The question answers itself. And frankly, I don’t like the answer.

And what about taking credit for things I don’t do? Or, at least, for things that I don’t do alone? I don’t intentionally plagiarize, but I do sometimes “accidentally” forget my source. Is it really so accidental?

What about hogging all the attention? I’ve always struggled with that. Still do. All people need some positive, concentrated attention if they to thrive. By always wanting to be in the limelight myself, do I shade out other people and stunt their growth? Such an attitude is not so different from what Proverbs 1:19 warns us against. Even a small gang of Me, Myself, and I is quite deadly. Self-preoccupation not only harms others. It is also toxic to me.

So how do I avoid becoming part of a gang or being a gang? I need to keep in mind constantly the dangers involved. And I need to remember that God doesn’t have a gang; he has a family, of which I claim to be a part. And isn’t that enough, really? I am not the center of attention and I don’t need to be. Loving God and loving people may not lead to easy money, but it does lead to a life that is well-lived and profoundly satisfying.