Thinking Ahead

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself;
but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Prov 27:12).

Foresight. Planning. Thinking ahead. Teenagers are not usually known for these things. I would imagine that many times, when you have gotten yourself into a sticky situation, you respond, “I guess I just wasn’t thinking!” Perhaps you tend to be always rushing around at the last minute or late for everything because you don’t plan ahead to get the things done that you need to. Perhaps you end up being involved in activities with friends that you would rather not because you didn’t look ahead.
The ability to look ahead and see the results of your decisions is a big part of maturity. It’s when distinguishes a mature adult from an immature young person. It also demonstrates spiritual discernment when a wise (godly) young person can look ahead and see the results and ramifications of his actions and make wise choices.
This proverb encourages us to be wise and avoid compromising or sinful situations. You know which friends are going to get in trouble—don’t hang out with them! You know what kinds of activities are going to end up being sinful—don’t even start them! You know which television shows and movies are going to end up polluting your mind and eyes—don't watch them!
Many times young people end up destroying their lives or testimonies because they did not look ahead or think about the future. They simply acted on the spur of the moment and made foolish choices that led to sinful actions. A wise young person thinks ahead and exercises spiritual discernment. A foolish young person doesn’t, and he pays dearly for it. Be a wise and godly teen: think ahead.

How Happy Are Your Parents?

"My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him that reproacheth me" (Prov 27:11).

When you are a wise young person, that doesn’t just mean you are smart, it means you are godly. A wise child is one who makes his parents’ hearts happy. That doesn’t just mean he makes them laugh or always does the right thing so they don’t have to be embarrassed. Christian parents are most happy when their children are obeying God.
In fact, we could find out just how wise you are by asking your parents how happy they are. Are your parents happy about your spiritual growth, your obedience, the way you treat your brothers and sisters, and your attitude around the house? How do they feel about the way you talk around the house? Do they enjoy having you around, or is it a relief when you are away? Would they say that your obedience makes their hearts glad? Or are you a burden and grief to them?
We said several weeks ago that Christian young people should obey their parents as they would the Lord (Eph 6:1). You cannot obey God and disobey your parents. Along the same lines, if you are pleasing God, you will be pleasing your parents.
I hope that you are wise sons and daughters. I hope you are wise in how you use your time (Eph 5:15–16). I hope you are wise in the way you work at whatever you are given to do (Col 3:17, 23). I hope you are wise in what you say (Eph 4:29). I hope you are wise in the way you dress and carry yourself (Phil 2:15). I hope you are wise in your thoughts and attitudes (1 Tim 4:12). Being wise isn’t just being smart; it is being godly and pleasing God. When you are wise, your parents can be happy with you, and your youth leaders will be too!

Who Needs Friends?

“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not;
neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity:
for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off"
(Prov 27:10).

Some times people don’t want to be “bothered” with other people. “People annoy me,” they claim. They may move out into the woods and live in a cabin so they can avoid human contact. They may just be very sullen and rude so that others don’t want to have anything to do with them.
However, while they may not be “bothered” with the annoyances or problems of others, they have no one to help them when they have problems. They have no one to whom they can turn. They don’t have anybody to give them advice, help them out of a jam, or even someone to whom they can pour out their troubles. They are left all alone—ironically so, because that is just the way they wanted it.
This proverb addresses a person who is tempted to selfishly exclude others from his life. He may be looking around and saying, “These people who are called my friends take up too much of my time!” He may be upset because they end up costing him money. Whatever the reason, he is thinking about just getting rid of friends and “going it alone.”
The writer of the proverb warns him not to do that, because friendship is a give and take relationship. Yes, having a friend demands time, effort, sometimes even money, but the payoff is great. Just as you are there for your friends when times are hard, so they will be there for you. The next time you think that helping your friends is a bother, just remember: what goes around comes around. Be a good friend to others, and enjoy the benefits of friendship when you are on the receiving end.