The Bible has a lot to say about youth and young people. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses that relate to youth:
Guidance for youth
Several verses provide wisdom and guidance directly aimed at young people:
- “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
- “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
- “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
These verses encourage young people to live godly lives and not give in to sinful desires and peer pressure. Setting a positive example and remembering God from a young age are emphasized.
Being an example to others
Young people are called to live in a way that sets a positive example for others:
- “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
- “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)
Living a life of integrity and godliness can cause even non-believers to see the light of Christ in young Christians.
Avoiding sin and temptation
Because of their youth and inexperience, young people are warned to avoid temptation and sources of sin:
- “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
- “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
- “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” (1 John 2:15)
Making choices to flee from sin and saturate one’s mind with God’s word is key to living a holy life as a young person.
Obedience to parents and elders
Young people are called to honor and obey their parents and other authorities:
- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
- “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Obedience and humility are highlighted as important virtues for young believers. At the same time, parents and adult mentors are called to not exasperate children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
God can use young people greatly
Despite their youth and inexperience, God can use willing young people to accomplish great things for His Kingdom:
- “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
- David defeating Goliath: “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32)
- Josiah turning Israel back to God: “While he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David.” (2 Chronicles 34:3)
- Mary, mother of Jesus: “The virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27)
- Timothy serving with Paul: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
When young people devote themselves fully to God, He can achieve great things through them, even at a young age. Young people are not too young to be used powerfully by God.
The value of children and youth
The Bible shows how God values children and young people:
- “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)
- “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:14)
- “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Children and young people are blessings from God and He desires for them to come to Him and live in His ways. Parents and adults have a responsibility to train up children in the ways of God.
Promises for those who follow God from youth
Specific promises are made to those who devote themselves to following God from their youth:
- “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
- “Those who seek me find me when they seek me with all their heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
- “No eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4)
Seeking and waiting on God from a young age allows people to avoid many of the troubles and trials of those who don’t follow Him. It also leads to great rewards and experiencing the profound love of God.
Blessings for families with God-fearing children
Children who follow God are a blessing to their families:
- “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)
- “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6)
- “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands… His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” (Psalm 112:1,2)
Godly young people are a joy to their parents and grandparents, and bring generational blessings on the whole family.
Cautions against folly and laziness
Young people are warned against folly and laziness:
- “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (Proverbs 20:29)
- “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.” (Isaiah 5:22)
- “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4)
Wasting their youth in foolishness, drunkenness and laziness can lead to ruined lives and missed opportunities. Wisdom and diligence are strongly encouraged.
Judgment for youth who choose evil
There are strong warnings of future judgment for young people who choose evil over good:
- “Woe to the righteous! It will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with them, For what he deserves will be done to him.” (Isaiah 3:10-11)
- “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
- “The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.” (Proverbs 30:17)
Choosing sin and evil, especially rebellion against parents, can lead to terrible consequences later in life. Each person will reap what they have sown.
The brevity of youth
Youth is presented as a fleeting, temporary season of life that should not be wasted:
- “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
- “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.” (Job 7:6)
- “Our days on earth are a shadow.” (1 Chronicles 29:15)
Life passes swiftly and youth does not last forever. Young people must number their days carefully and use their time wisely for God’s glory.
The promise of renewed youth in heaven
For those who follow God, the promise of heaven includes the restoration of youth:
- “Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
- “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
- “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (Psalm 92:14)
In heaven, all believers will experience renewed youth, health and vigor in the presence of God forever.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible offers rich insight and guidance for young people, highlighting the great potential but also the serious pitfalls that come with youth. Young believers are encouraged to pursue God wholeheartedly, resist temptation, bless their families and use their youth wisely. With God’s help, young people can live purposeful lives that count for eternity.