“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body” (Proverbs 4:20-22).
In the book of Proverbs, the wise man sought to impart wisdom to his son. It is natural for one to want to help his children or other young people in this way. As we get older, we have lessons that have been shared with us by others, knowledge we have learned on our own, and wisdom we have gained from our experiences. The wise man of the book of Proverbs – as well as the others who wrote the words we can read in the Scriptures – had these words revealed to them by God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Therefore, the lessons we find in the Bible are particularly important.
So, what lessons are needed for young people today? We are going to briefly notice a few examples from the Scriptures. As was the case with the wise man’s words to his son in the book of Proverbs, these instructions are not just for young people. All of these instructions are good for both the young and the not-so-young. Let us consider seven lessons here.
Always Do Your Best
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
When many older people think of young people, they have a stereotype in their mind of one who is lazy, unmotivated, and grudgingly gives a half-hearted effort when it is absolutely necessary for them to do something. This may be an unfair stereotype, yet too many people (young and old) fail to do their best in the tasks that are before them. The wise man said to do everything “with all your might.” This does not mean you must be “perfect” (none of us could live up to that standard). Yet you must do your best.
Stay Connected with Others
“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
As we noticed in the previous point, you must do your best. Yet we can all be better if we stay together and help one another. In the world today, with unlimited entertainment options available at our fingertips, it is easy to become disconnected from (or minimally connected with) others. Yet we need one another. The Hebrew writer said, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Stay connected with your family, good friends, church members, and others who are encouraging you to do what is right. God designed us to be social creatures, and you will benefit from maintaining these relationships.
Never Stop Learning
“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning” (Proverbs 9:9).
No one knows everything. Regardless of what knowledge or wisdom we have obtained, we will always have room to grow, even after completing whatever formal education we receive. This continual learning will benefit you in whatever work you do. Yet this is especially important when it comes to the Bible. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy to “give attention to the public reading of Scripture” and to “be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:13, 15). Commit yourself to learning the Scriptures well enough that you can “accurately [handle] the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Be an Encourager
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
The world is full of critics, complainers, trolls, and negative people. Do not be one of them! Instead, use your words to build up and encourage others. The wise man said, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs 25:11). Not only does this provide comfort for those who are dealing with the troubles of life, but one who receives “kindness from his friend” is less likely to “forsake” the Lord (Job 6:14).
Think Outside the Box
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
This phrase – “think outside the box” – is often used to encourage people not to get stuck in the rut of conventional wisdom. This may be good advice in the workplace, whether one is involved in manual labor or knowledge work, because of the rapid changes in the world that require us to adapt. Yet as the world also becomes increasingly immoral and godless, you must think differently from the cultural norms around you. Rather than being like the world, be transformed into the type of person the Lord wants you to be.
Keep Getting Back Up
“For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity” (Proverbs 24:16).
Everyone fails, stumbles, and gets off track. You can surely look back on your life – even as a young person – when you made mistakes or did things that were simply wrong. However, you must not allow those times to defeat or define you. Remember the example of Peter, who denied the Lord three times (Luke 23:54-62). Jesus knew this would happen and told Peter what to do afterward: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Peter made a terrible mistake in denying the Lord, yet he did not let that keep him from faithfully serving Him and boldly proclaiming the gospel afterward.
Put the Lord First
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Focus on this above everything else. There are many reasons you might be “worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25), yet Jesus said that we are not to be anxious in this way because God has promised to take care of us (Matthew 6:26-33). In the end, seeking first His kingdom is all that matters. John wrote, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). This world is not eternal, and you will one day pass from this life. Remember to put the Lord first in all things.
Conclusion
No matter our age, these seven points are ones we need to remember. Let us all keep growing and developing to become more and more what God wants us to be.
