Many times we see proverbs of encouragement and warnings to our young people. In fact, the entire book of Proverbs has as its theme, the wise sayings of a father to his son, and if his son would listen to what he had to say, then life would be so much easier and better.

But we don’t listen. We have a tendency to try life, figuring we know all of the answers, and then ignore what older people such as parents, grandparents and others tell us. Then, as we live, we find that they were right all along—and how much pain would we have avoided had we listened.

The same is true of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a book that, if we take the time to study, meditate on and live by, our lives would be so much better. But we fail, and as we look at our sin wrecked lives, we wished we would have listened so much sooner. Yet our Heavenly Father wants us to succeed, and he knows that the only way that will happen is if we listen to him.

I came across this list of MAXIMS FOR YOUNG MEN, in Elam’s Notes, 1931. Look at what he says, and see if this is not good advice. At the same time, realize that these things are found in God’s words, perhaps worded a little differently.

Never be idle. If your hands cannot be usefully employed, attend to the cultivation of your mind.
Always speak the truth.
Keep good company or none.
Make few promises.
Live up to your engagements.
Keep your own secrets if you have any.
When you speak to a person, look him in the face.
Good company and good conversation are the very sinews of virtue.
Good character is above all things else.
Never listen to loose or idle conversation.
You had better be poisoned in your blood than in your principles.
Your character cannot be essentially injured except by your own acts.
If any one speaks evil of you, let your life be so virtuous that none will believe him.
Drink no intoxicating liquors.
Ever live, misfortune excepted, within your means.
When you retire to bed, think over what you have done during the day.
Never speak lightly of religion.
Make no haste to be rich, if you would prosper.
Small and steady gains give competency with tranquility of mind.
Never play any kind of game (game means gambling, lotteries . . . ).
Avoid temptation through fear that you may not withstand it.
Never run in debt unless you see the way to get out again.
Read some portion of the Bible every day.

I pray that God would bless our young people with strength to do his will, with the determination to stand for him daily, realizing they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.