Jerry C. Brewer
The song we sing with the above title is based upon a statement in Psalms 119:9: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” As the song says, a young man’s life can be guarded from sin only by the word of God—by knowing it and allowing it to guide his thinking. Teenagers and others of a younger generation today have imbibed so much of the world that their language to one another (even to young ladies) is of such a nature that none but the vilest in previous generations would have given it utterance. Young people today are not only sexually active physically, but mentally and verbally as well (Matt. 5:27-30).
It is heartbreaking to hear of a young Christian whose language and actions are guided by the world instead of the everlasting word of God. Even though young men and women may be physically pure, their mental and verbal impurities will lead them down the devil’s pathway to eternal ruin, if those impulses are not controlled by God’s word. Paul told young Timothy to, “Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22), and to, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
Nothing brings shame upon the Lord as much as a Christian whose mind and mouth is impure and who demonstrates that impurity to his friends and intimate acquaintances. Young men and women, flee youthful lusts. Do not set a pattern of behavior in your youth that will bring shame upon your parents, grandparents and the Lord and cause your soul to be lost forever. Young men, treat young ladies with respect. Do not befoul their lives and minds with evil words and actions. Take heed to the word of God, by which the young—and those of all ages—may cleanse their way.
