Abstract:
This article examined the warning against evil companions in Proverbs 1:8–19 and the role of the
church in addressing the involvement of Tiv youths in crime in Benue State and its implications
for actions. Wicked people were zealous in seducing others into the paths of destruction. Would
young people shun temporal and eternal ruin? This was the reason for Solomon’s instruction in
Proverbs 1:8–19. He admonished his son with the caption ‘hear,’ which presented the son with
a choice. However, Solomon implored the child to refuse to take any step in destructive paths of
evildoers. The persuasive nature of the pericope was important in addressing the growing crime
rate amongst Tiv youths in Benue State. Most youths in Tiv communities were being enticed
into joining criminal gangs, secret cults and rituals in order to make quick wealth. Unfortunately,
the number of youths in these immoral acts such as YahooYahoo amongst Tiv youths kept on
increasing in the midst of the growing number of churches in most Tiv societies. Rhetoric
analysis was used as the methodology. As part of recommendations, parents should instruct,
discipline and stop their children from engaging in acts that lead to death. The youths should
also avoid evil companions to avoid falling into trouble.
CONTRIBUTION : Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, which makes admonition to youths a
necessity for the growth of the Tiv Society. Proverbs 1:8–19 provides roadmaps that Tiv leaders
and the church could adopt in preserving morality among Tiv youths.
