Thoughts For Young MenSample

The Bible is God’s merciful provision for sinful man’s soul, the map by which he must steer his course if he wants to attain eternal life. All that we need to know in order to make us peaceful, holy, or happy, is richly contained there. If a young man wants to know how to begin his life well, let him hear what David says: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (Ps. 119:9).

Young men, I charge you to make a habit of reading the Bible, and not to let the habit be broken. Don’t let the laughter of friends, or the bad habits of the family you may live in, prevent your doing it. Determine that you will not only have a Bible, but also make time to read it too. Don’t allow anyone to persuade you that it is only a book for Sunday school children and old women. It is the book from which King David got wisdom and understanding. It is the book that young Timothy knew from his childhood. Never be ashamed of reading it. Do not “despise the Word” (Prov. 13:13).

Read it with prayer for the Spirit’s grace to make you understand it. It has been said, “A man may just as soon read the Scripture without eyes, as understand the spirit of it without grace.”

Read it reverently, as the Word of God, not of man—believing implicitly that what it approves is right, and what it condemns is wrong. Be very sure that every doctrine that will not stand the test of Scripture is false. This will keep you from being tossed to and fro, and carried about by the dangerous opinions of these latter days. Be very sure that every practice in your life that is contrary to Scripture is sinful and must be given up. This will settle many a question of conscience, and cut the knot of many a doubt.