When Directions Deceive
Have you ever wondered who first said you need to rinse and repeat? Somewhere in a shampoo marketing meeting, a genius (or a trickster) said, “Let’s double our sales by telling people to do the whole process again!” And lo and behold, we’ve all followed the bottle—twice—without asking why. That, my friends, is the perfect metaphor for the way we often live our lives.
In Proverbs 1:8-19, Solomon warns us about this exact danger: living by blind advice and following the loudest voice instead of the wisest one. Let’s untangle this together—no conditioner required—just real, practical wisdom.
The Crowd Isn’t Always Right
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9, ESV).
Solomon opens with a call to listen to godly wisdom from those who love us most. He’s not saying parents are perfect (insert collective eye roll from teenagers here), but he is saying that wise parental guidance is worth more than Instagram likes and TikTok tips.
Today’s culture runs on popularity points. The more likes, views, or charisma someone has, the more likely we are to let their opinion shape our own. But Solomon reminds us that real honor comes from wisdom, not attention.
The Pitfalls of Peer Pressure
Verses 10-13 make it clear: don’t go with the crowd when the crowd is headed for trouble. The “wrong crowd” doesn’t usually say, “Hey, let’s go ruin our lives today!” Instead, there’s an ambiguous allure. The idea of easy gain, of shortcuts to success, gets dressed up in promises that never deliver.
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10, ESV).
Solomon wants us to see that peer pressure is not just a middle school problem. It’s a lifelong temptation. Whether it’s a shady investment opportunity at work or feeling pressured to post something edgy online, the wrong influences can show up at any stage of life. They often sound reasonable, look cool, or make you feel accepted—until you realize the bill is far more than you expected.
Choose Your Mentors Wisely
It’s easy to outsource our decision-making. We all have that one friend (or influencer) we check with before doing anything. But if our guide is more interested in status or success than wisdom and truth, we may be walking straight into a trap.
Solomon urges young people (and honestly, the not-so-young too) to treasure the counsel of those who fear God. There is real protection in listening to people who want what’s best for your soul, not just your image.
Don’t Be Used
So, what’s the takeaway from this first section of Proverbs? Don’t live your life by the back of the shampoo bottle—and certainly not by the crowd’s advice. Listen to wisdom. Choose mentors carefully. And know that the loudest voice isn’t always the wisest one.
Solomon was wise. Not just because he asked God for wisdom, but because he told his children (and us) where to find it. Spoiler alert: it’s not in the crowd—it’s in the quiet, trustworthy wisdom passed down through those who love you.
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