When we are young we have so much energy and illusions that sometimes we forget to stop to think things through or seek advice. Youth is a time when we must make many decisions that will impact the rest of our lives, so it is wise to keep an open heart for guidance and advice.
In the book of Proverbs we find wonderful principles that we can apply to every area of life. Following them will help us live in a way that pleases God. Not only that, but we ourselves will benefit by avoiding making the mistakes it warns us about.
Let’s see 15 tips for young people that we find in Proverbs. Let us allow the Word of God to guide our steps so that we live life as he wants.
1. Cultivate reverence for God: it will help you grow in wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
(Proverbs 1:7)
Do you want to live a life full of wise decisions? Start by fearing the Lord. Read his Word, seek direction from him, live a life of reverence and obedience before him.
2. Listen to your parents and honor them. It will be of benefit to your life.
My son, listen to your father’s corrections and do not abandon your mother’s teachings. They will adorn your head like a diadem; They will adorn your neck like a necklace.
(Proverbs 1:8-9)
Obey and honor your parents by listening to their advice. Do not reject what they tell you without at least listening to them respectfully! Evaluate everything before God and act according to what he confirms to you.
3. Take good care of your friendships. Stay away from those who lead you down the wrong path.
My son, if the sinners want to deceive you, do not go with them. (…)
… don’t get carried away by them, my son! Get out of their paths!
(Proverbs 1:10-15)
Don’t get carried away by friends who neither love nor fear God. Choose your friends well. Hang out with young people who have values and goals similar to yours.
4. See that your life is characterized by love and truth.
May love and truth never leave you: always wear them around your neck and write them in the book of your heart. You will have the favor of God and you will have a good reputation among the people.
(Proverbs 3:3-4)
Seek to live a life full of love. Always walk in the truth, reject deceit and hypocrisy. Doing this will benefit your relationship with God and with others.
5. Obey the commandments of the Lord: it is good for you.
My son, do not forget my teachings; rather keep my commandments in your heart. Because they will prolong your life for many years and bring you prosperity.
(Proverbs 3:1-2)
Always remember that God calls us to love him above all things and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Obey God’s commands and let them guide you in your relationship with others and in your decision making.
7 Themes for Christian Youth Meetings
6. Be humble. Don’t think you already know everything.
Do not be wise in your own opinion; rather, fear the Lord and flee from evil. This will infuse health into your body and strengthen your being.
(Proverbs 3:7-8)
Be careful not to think that you know more than God. He is the source of wisdom. If he says that something is bad, you should believe him and tread carefully. Seek his direction and guidance at all times. You will see positive results in all areas of your life.
7. Trust God more than yourself
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and not in your own intelligence. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths smooth.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Put your trust in God: he knows what is good for you in the midst of every situation. Do it wholeheartedly, not reluctantly. He learns to rest in the arms of the Father. That is where true security is found.
8. Do not betray those who trust you.
Do not plot evil against your neighbor, against the one who has put his trust in you.
(Proverbs 3:29)
Treat others well and do not plot evil against anyone, least of all against those who trust you. Cultivate honesty, sincerity and treat everyone fairly.
9. Do not look for meaningless fights
Do not enter into a lawsuit with anyone who has not done you any harm.
(Proverbs 3:30)
Rather, be a peacemaker: seek peace. He treats others with respect, as you would like to be treated yourself.
10. Be careful with your words!
Banish wickedness from your mouth; keep corrupt words from your lips.
(Proverbs 4:24)
Always use words that build. Keep in mind that your words can hurt or heal. The choice is yours!
11. The material is not the most important
There are those who pretend to be rich, and have nothing; there are those who seem to be poor, and have everything.
(Proverbs 13:7)
Value what really deserves it: your relationship with God and with others. Yes, work, strive, progress in life. But never consider the material as the most important. Worship God and bless those around you.
12. Choose well who you hang out with
He who walks with wise men becomes wise; whoever associates with fools will come out badly.
(Proverbs 13:20)
Look for wise friends who bring good things to your life. Not only will you show good judgment and choice, but you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
13. Protect your heart
Above all things take care of your heart, because life flows from it.
(Proverbs 4:23)
Keep your heart sensitive to the move of God and alert to the deceptions of the enemy. Feed your spirit with the Word of God and spend time with the Lord each day.
14. Do not waste energy on emotions that do not please God
Do not envy sinners in your heart; rather, show yourself always zealous in the fear of the Lord. You have a future hope, which will not be destroyed.
(Proverbs 23:17-18)
It may seem unfair to you to see the success of sinners, but don’t let your heart fill with envy. Remember what is eternal, the future hope that God has given you. Focus on living a life that is holy and pleasing to God. Trust in God and in his justice.
15. Today’s excesses will bring consequences
Do not associate with those who drink a lot of wine, nor with those who gorge themselves on meat, because drunk and gluttonous, because of their indolence, they end up ragged and poor.
(Proverbs 23:20-21)
Beware of excesses in any area and avoid friends who live “from high to high.” The result of leading a disorderly life is not a pleasant one. Learn to use the resources you have wisely and responsibly.
The benefits of prudence and discretion (Proverbs 3:21-26)
Allow God to guide your steps from your youth. She receives his instruction every day and lives according to his will. You will not regret.