Proverbs 2:17
“Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.”
The verse above is a sad commentary about a young lady. This young lady was at one time the twinkle in her dad’s eye. She was the companion of a mother who spent time shopping and cooking with her. This young lady was the joy of her parents as a little toddler. I can see her parents filled with joy when this young lady was just a toddler.
Something happened to this young lady from the time she was the pride and joy of her parents to the young lady described in the verse above. This young lady had become the strange woman who every parent warned their boys to avoid. She became that young lady who flattered young men with her words. She became the one who walked in the “ways of darkness.” She became the young lady who delighted “in the frowardness of the wicked.” What is it that would cause a young lady to go from being the pride of her parents to becoming the young lady who every decent parent warned their boys to avoid?
First, she forsook the guide of her youth. That guide of her youth was her parents. Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Always remember that your parents love you. You may not always understand what they are trying to tell you, but they are truly trying to keep you from becoming like this young woman. Your parents are not perfect, but they are the guide of your youth, and you must never let their advice go by the wayside. Any person who would ever turn you from your parent’s advice should be avoided at all costs.
Second, she forgot the guiding principles and commands of God’s Word. There is only one reason why she forgot God’s commands and that is because she stopped reading them on a daily basis. Young person, never let anything keep you from studying the Word of God. Satan will throw many things at you to keep you from God’s Word because he knows it will guide you down the destructive path that this young lady took. If you will spend time daily in the Word of God, it will be hard to forget His commands.
Third, she forsook the guide of a curfew. Simply put, she was out too late. I know this sounds strange, but Proverbs 7:9 shows us that she was out late at night. Nothing good happens when you are out late. As a youth, spend your nights at home with your parents. I know this may not sound exciting, but you will keep yourself from heartache and sin if you will stay at home. Don’t lose the opportunity to get to know your parents better by staying home. Home is your safe place.
Fourth, she abandoned the guide of association. She allowed herself to be in the wrong atmosphere. This strange woman in Proverbs 7 was in places she should not have been. The places you allow yourself to be in will ultimately determine what you become. If you don’t want to become another tragic story, then stay away from those places where tragic stories occur.
Forsaking your guide of youth will only lead to heartache. Proverbs 7:27 says, “Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Let me encourage you to embrace the guide of your youth. That guide of youth is there to help you enjoy life as an adult. You will sacrifice the joy of adulthood if you forsake the guide of your youth.