I have a special affection for young people. I was one once, you know. I remember some of the feelings, some of the frustrations, some of the sheer fear involved in trying to grow up. It’s fun. But it’s hard.

I admire so many things about youth. I like its vitality. I like its energy. I like its sanguinity. I like its sheer lack of fear, its confident expectation, its bright-shining hope. All that’s great. But it all has to be carefully used or it will blow up in your face. Vitality, when it’s out of control, can cause poor judgment. Energy, unrestrained, can send you off in the wrong direction. Even the sanguine disposition can be troublesome, especially if you don’t see the negative stuff, too. And hope is only good if it’s focused.

The Scriptures speak considerably about the business of youth—of growing up. For instance, Solomon, once a young man himself, said:

“My son, do not forget my teaching” (Prov. 3:1 LBX). He further suggests that you “keep my commandments in your heart.” You would do well as a young person to stay pretty close to the teachings of the Bible. They won’t ever steer you in the wrong direction and sometimes they will be just what you need to avoid sure disaster. The Scriptures are from God. He knows. He cares. And He will help.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you” (Prov. 3:3 LBX). Love is the most basic ingredient in a happy and fruitful life—even when you’re young. Not play-love, but real love—the kind that keeps on doing good when it might be easier to give in; the kind that makes good choices about who, what, and why; the kind that gives more than it gets; the kind that is kind, considerate, understanding. Faithfulness is just being honest. It’s taking care of relationships. It’s caring, even if you don’t get anything for doing it. Faithfulness is fairness, honesty, trustworthiness. It’s being true to your convictions, to what has been entrusted to you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5 LBX). I’ve got news for you—you can’t handle it by yourself. You can’t do it. God knows what is right—every time. His word is immutable, unchangeable. It won’t ever send you in the wrong direction. If you have a problem, consult it—trust it. If you can’t find it, ask someone who can help you. Your own understanding is less than dependable, not because you’re a bad person, or not smart, or not capable—its less than dependable because it hasn’t had much experience; it hasn’t been put to the test much yet. And take careful note of this fact: What you feel about a matter is a poor criterion for making sound choices. It’ll often take you in the wrong direction. Lean on God. He’s the only One who won’t ever let you down.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7 LBX). Humility is hard for young people. And not all pride is bad. You certainly need enough to take care of yourself, to keep yourself hale, hearty, and happy, to look good, and even to be good. But excessive pride can cause great harm. Every generation thinks it’s the smartest one ever. Things do change from generation to generation, but it’s technology that changes, not human nature. As you can already see, the same problems you have are essentially the same ones that were present in Solomon’s time. Learn to listen. Listen to learn. Learn to obey. Obey to be faithful. It all lines up if you let it. Run from the bad stuff. I said run! Don’t walk, run! Paul said, “flee fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18 LBX). You can’t do very well by yourself.

“Do not despise the Lord’s discipline” (Prov. 3:11 LBX). It just makes matters worse when you get all puffed up because of some correction, some rebuke, some disciplinary action. Discipline is an act of love. I know it doesn’t look like it sometimes, but it is. Discipline is hard—on both ends. It’s hard for the giver and it’s hard for the taker. But necessary—absolutely necessary, if there’s any love left in the relationship. Don’t be afraid if you are disciplined, be afraid if you’re not. Because, “He disciplines those whom He loves” (Prov. 3:12 LBX).

Well, I’ll get off my soapbox. I just wanted to tell you that I love you and want what is best for you. And I also want you to know that I understand. Be good now, y’hear?