Young people who obey the laws are wise; those who seek out worthless companions bring shame to their parents (Proverbs 28:7, NLT).
There are two kinds of young people in this world, according to the text of today. Young people who are wise and young people who bring shame to their parents. The wise ones understand that today controls tomorrow, that if they are going to be great tomorrow, they have to work hard today. They therefore apply themselves diligently to their studies, to their works and to their businesses (Prov. 22:29).
The wise ones also understand that the law of sowing and reaping works: that if they sow to the flesh today they will reap corruption, but that if they sow to the spirit they will reap everlasting life. They therefore sow to the spirit (Gal. 6:7-9). The wise ones understand that character is the foundation of true greatness. They therefore give attention to character development. They learn to say No when they should. They delay gratification. They avoid the easy path and pay the price to develop strong character (Dan. 1:8). But the foolish ones? They are different – lazy, slothful, always procrastinating, and following the wrong crowd who love pleasure and the life of easy virtue (Exo. 23:2).
The Bible says this category bring shame to their parents. Today you can choose where you belong (Prov. 28:6). Now what makes the wise ones wise? They know that the law of God is true, so they commit themselves truly to God’s precious Word – to love it, to learn it, to keep it in their hearts and to live by it, even when their colleagues mock. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:9, 11). The wise ones gain superior understanding through the Word of God, and they become better than their friends, they even rise above their teachers and those that are older than they are. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them (Prov. 12:26).
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation (Ps. 119:99). As a young person therefore, how can you become more excellent than your other friends?
One: Be truly committed to Christ, making Him your Lord and your Saviour, receiving the forgiveness of your sin (Acts 3:19).
Two: Be committed to the Word of God, \ meditating in it, studying it and guiding your life with its unfailing, eternal principles. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).
Three: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and take total control of your life. The Bible says that if you are led by the spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Four: Separate from the wrong crowd, those who do not believe your God or His Word. Begin to associate yourself with godly people who are walking by the word of God (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Five: Be diligent in your studies, your works, and your assignments. Do not postpone till tomorrow what you can do today (Proverbs 22:29).
Six: Be obedient to your parents. Honour your father and your mother and it shall be well with you (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Finally, whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). If you live to honour God, He will honour you all the days of your life (1 Samuel 2:30). It shall be well with you.
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them (Eccl. 12:1).