FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:23-24

To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Genesis 3:16

"For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just." Genesis 18:19 This is the Lord speaking about Abraham, but the same message applies to today's households.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Exodus 20:3-17, Deut. 5:7-21 - The 10 Commandments

Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time. Deuteronomy 4:40

Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! Deuteronomy 5:29

Deuteronomy 6 - the whole chapter

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16

Do not be like your parents...who were unfaithful to the Lord,...II Chronicles 30:7

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.”
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.

18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14

The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. Isaiah 38:19

13 Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. 
15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful. Malachi 2:13-16

His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:2-3

I Corinthians 13 - the love chapter

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32

I Corinthians 7:1-21 - Married Life

I Corinthians 7:25-35 - Unmarried Life

I Corinthians 7:36-38 - Engaged

39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40 In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. I Corinthians 7:39-40

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:24

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Colossians 3:18

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Colossians 3:19

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  Titus 2:4-5

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives...      1 Peter 3:1

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands... I Peter 3:5

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. I Peter 3:7

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:9-12

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. I Corinthians 10:23-24

 

THE LORD’S “TOP TEN” SET IN STONE

(Ex. 20:1-17 & Deut. 5:6-21)

 

You shall have no gods before me.

Do not make or pray to an idol.

For I am a jealous God,

On your heart I want a bridle.

 

Do not misuse my name;

In a way without true meaning.

I am outraged when my name is exclaimed,

I think of it as demeaning.

 

Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy;

Six days you shall do all your work.

The seventh day is mine alone,

So relax; your work you can shirk.

 

For in six days I made the heavens,

And all life in the earth and sea.

I rested on the seventh day;

I blessed it and declared it holy.

 

Honor your father and mother,

So you may live long in the land.

Do not murder, be true to your spouse,

And do not steal with your hand.

 

Do not lie about anyone.

Don’t covet what belongs to your neighbor.

If you will keep these commandments,

With Me you will find favor.

--Becky Wall

 

WHEN NATURE IS FULLY ALIVE

WHEN NATURE IS FULLY ALIVE

God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.” Psalms 65:1-13 NIV

Job 38:41
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?

Habakkuk 2:11
The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.

1 Chronicles 16:33

Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

Psalm 96:12
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalm 98:8
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;

Psalm 148

1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, 6 and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Isaiah 44:23a
Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees...

Isaiah 49:13

Shout for joy, you heavens;
    rejoice, you earth;
    burst into song, you mountains! 

Psalm 148;1-13
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, 6 and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Isaiah 55:12

the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Luke 19:40
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

It was these verses that inspired me to write the following poem.

WHEN THE  MOUNTAINS ENVIED A HILL

The mountains envied Mt. Zion,

Where Christ would fulfill God’s will.

Tho’ the mountains thought themselves mighty,

They fell short of that little hill.

The mountains stood arrayed in beauty,

That came from heaven above,

By the man being handed a cross,

And He formed them with great love.

They watched as Jesus carried His cross,

And their stones cried out in vain.

They witnessed the crucifixion.

And they heard Him cry out in pain.

They wept when He breathed His last.

Huge tears formed waterfalls and fountains.

They thought their Creator was gone forever,

When He died on the little mountain.

They could see from where they towered,

That Christ was placed in a tomb.

They watched as His mother wailed,

At the loss of the fruit of her womb.

All at once they began to tremble,

As the earth began to quake.

The sun refused to shine,

And the dead began to awake.

Gloom filled up their valleys

The trees hung their limbs in despair.

Three days later they saw a bright light,

And all they could do was stare.

An angel moved the tomb's stone door,

That was put there by His foes.

Jesus had conquered death,

For from that tomb He arose.

The mountains broke out in color;

The trees began to sway.

The stones sang a song of praise,

And the sun shone brighter that day.

Envy was turned to honor,

Toward the mount that had suffered great strife.

For that is where Christ chose to die,

And create a River of Life.

Becky Wall

Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, And glorified Himself in Israel. Isa. 44:23

1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, 6 and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Psalm 148;1-13

HOW TO PRAY

HOW TO PRAY

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed for their needs and their needs were met. I found no mention of Esau taking the time to pray, though he did forgive his brother for deceiving him.

In the story of the 10 plagues of Egypt, and with each plague Pharoah begged Moses to pray that the plague would stop. He made Moses promises but never kept them. Then the people began to cry out to Moses when the plague of snakes had taken over the Egyptian side of the city.

Moses later had to pray for his brother, Aaron, for God was angry enough with him to kill him.

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Psalm 54:2

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; Psalm 55:1

Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Psalm 86:1

Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. Psalm 86:6

But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Psalm 88:13

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Psalm 143:1

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

10 This is what the Lord says about this people:

“They greatly love to wander;

they do not restrain their feet.

So the Lord does not accept them;

he will now remember their wickedness

and punish them for their sins.”

11 Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. Jeremiah 14:10-11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Jeremiah 42:3

40 Let us examine our ways and test them,
and let us return to the Lord.
41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven, and say:
42 “We have sinned and rebelled
and you have not forgiven.
43 “You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us;
you have slain without pity.
44 You have covered yourself with a cloud
so that no prayer can get through. Lamentations 3:40-44

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God...Daniel 6:10

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...Matthew 5:44

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." Matthew 6:5

"...pray continually..." I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV; "...pray without ceasing..." (KJV)

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Matthew 6:6-8 NIV

9a After this manner therefore pray ye: 

9b Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

     For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Matthew 6:6-         9a (KJV)

“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer..." Matthew 21:13

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:40

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

...bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 (Things happen, I know from experience. It is important to pray that no tragedy or crisis happens and then, if it does, pray that He will help you through it. In other words, pray that he will give you hope and help you cope.)

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. John 17:9

They all joined together constantly in prayer... Acts 1:14

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

He (Cornelius) and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God." About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor...' Acts 10:2, 4, 9, 30"

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30 (Don't hesitate to ask others to pray for you or with you.)

Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. I Corinthians 7:5 (Best to study the context of this verse.)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel... Ephesians 6:19 (Likewise, pray for the preacher.)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:4

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:9 (Make this also your prayer for others.)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you... Colossians 1:3

...we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God... Colossians 1:9-10

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. II Thessalonians 3:2

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. i Peter 3:7

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. I Peter 3:12

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. I Peter 4:7

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH

Meanwhile back at the ranch,

The brothers dipped the coat in blood.

They showed the coat to their father,

And Jacob, their dad, cried a flood.

The brothers told Jacob a story,

Of how the blood got there.

Saying Joseph was mauled by wild animals.

It was more than the dad could bear.

Many years later a drought hit the land,

And crops won’t grow without rain.

So the family contemplated,

Just how they might get grain.

They heard that Egypt had food;

There the stockpiles of grain were large.

And so they went, not knowing,

Their brother was the one in charge.

For he dressed just like an Egyptian,

And he was now a fully grown man.

When Joseph saw his brothers,

He formulated a plan.

He sought news of the rest of the family,

While studying their attitude.

He gave them all the grain he could;

They responded with gratitude.

He tested the older brothers,

But they were honest and true.

They still didn’t know that the man in charge,

Was someone that they knew.

Joseph longed to see Benjamin.

He was pleased whenever he learned,

His young brother and father were living,

And so for them he yearned.

The brothers returned with Benjamin,

Though Ben didn’t understand why.

The brothers were very protective of him,

Their response made Joseph cry.

He then revealed himself to them,

And at first they tho’t he’d be mad.

But Joseph welcomed them into his home,

Though toward him they had been bad.

Knowing what the future would bring,

God put him in the place he stood.

For what the brothers meant for bad,

God meant for the good.

The brothers brought their father,

And Joseph made Egypt their home.

There they would live over 400 years,

Then for 40 more they would roam.

 --Becky Wall

 

 

YOUTH IN THE BIBLE, Names, Roles & Advice

YOUTH IN THE BIBLE

Genesis 37:2
"These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren;"

Leviticus 27:2-6
‘If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate a person to the Lord by giving the equivalent value, set the value of a male between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel[; for a female, set her value at thirty shekels; for a person between the ages of five and twenty, set the value of a male at twenty shekels and of a female at ten shekels; for a person between one month and five years, set the value of a male at five shekels of silver and that of a female at three shekels of silver; (offering)

Numbers 1:45
"So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel;" (Teens did not have to go to war.)

Numbers 11:28
"Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

I Samuel 12:2
"Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day." Samuel was given by his mother, Hannah, to Eli the Prophet to raise in the Lord and became a prophet himself.

I Samuel 17:33
"Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” The author, who is believed to be Samuel in the first part of the book, is telling about King Saul speaking to David about Goliath.

2 Kings 14:21
"And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah."

2 Kings 24:8
"Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months."

2 Chronicles 26:1
"Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah."

Job 13:26
"For you write down bitter things against me and make me reap the sins of my youth." The author of this book, presumably Job, laments the sins of his youth.

Psalm 25:7
"Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good." King David admits sinning in his youth and being rebellious but implores God to remember him which also means not to forget him. He praises the Lord for being good believing he can win God's favor, which he does.

Psalm 88:15
"From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair." David speaks of trials suffered during his youth. We know that King Saul tried to kill him several times and we also know that David led many battles early in his adult life. He most likely killed Goliath in his teens.

Psalm 119:9-19
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.

Psalm 127:4 "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth." Evidently David feels it is best to have children while in your young years.

Proverbs 2:17
"Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, 17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God."

Proverbs 4:4-27
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.”
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;
they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 5:18
"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."

Proverbs 6:20-25
"20 My son, keep your father’s command
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life,
24 keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,
from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes.

Proverbs 29:21
"A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent."

Ecclesiastes 4:13
"Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.

Ecclesiastes 11:9
"You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."

Ecclesiastes 11:10
"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless."

Ecclesiastes 12:1
"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”—

Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 54:4
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth…”

Jeremiah 3:25
"Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the Lord our God, both we and our ancestors; from our youth till this day we have not obeyed the Lord our God.”

Jeremiah 22:21-22 ("...this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:")
"I warned you when you felt secure,
but you said, ‘I will not listen!’
This has been your way from your youth;
you have not obeyed me.
22 The wind will drive all your shepherds away,
and your allies will go into exile.
Then you will be ashamed and disgraced
because of all your wickedness."

Jeremiah 31:19
"After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’"

Ezekiel 16:43
“‘Because you did not remember the days of your youth but enraged me with all these things, I will surely bring down on your head what you have done, declares the Sovereign Lord. Did you not add lewdness to all your other detestable practices?"

Daniel 1:3-7
"Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Malachi 2:13-15
"Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. 15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."

Titus 2:6-8

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 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.

I Peter 5:5
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

I Corinthians 10:23-24
““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.”