Proverbs 22 is another list of advice and admonition from a father to his son. Solomon had experienced all that life had to offer – both the good and the bad (read Ecclesiastes). As all good parents do, he urges his son to learn from his experience, and avoid the heartache and pitfalls of poor decisions.

Here are a few of the bits of wisdom, that every young person ought to take to heart as they begin their adult lives. There are some “dos’” and some “don’ts.”

#1 – Do protect your good name.

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver or gold (v. 1).

A tattered reputation is hard to repair, and no matter how much money you might accumulate, your good name is worth more. A man’s name is his character. Choose wisely, and protect your good name.

#2 – Do fear the Lord in humility.

The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life (v. 4).

What more could we want? Riches means what you think – wealth. This verse is not advocating for the “prosperity gospel” that says God is a means of obtaining the riches of this world, but God does promise to provide for our every need. A rich man is one who has no lack, no need. The path to a full life of honor and abundant provision from God’s hand is not to make our lives all about career success or become proficient at trading on the stock market. It is to live humbly in the fear of the Lord and trust Him to give us exactly what we need and guide us to steward those blessings for His kingdom and His glory. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Matthew 6:24).

#3 – Do watch your words.

He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend (v. 11).

For some reason, even among professing believers, it’s become normal to use the language of the world. It’s offensive to God and a poor testimony. Why can no one communicate without cursing anymore? A young man or woman who is articulate, well-spoken, and pure in speech sets themselves apart.

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way (James 3:8-10).

#4 – Don’t enslave yourself to debt.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. … Do not be among those who give pledges, among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you? (vs. 7,26-27)

This is an easy concept to understand. Don’t go into unmanageable debt. There are some good reasons you might have to get a loan – a house, a car, etc. But loading up your credit card and making minimum payments for consumable goods or frivolous or unnecessary things is a foolish idea. God gives us our money to provide for our needs and further His kingdom. Enslavement to debt can keep you from doing what God has called you to do.

#5 – Don’t hang around angry people.

Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man. Or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself (vs. 24-25).

There are a lot of reasons people are angry; many are a result of their own poor choices. The only righteous anger is anger against sin. We become like the people we associate with, so choose friends who are filled with God’s peace and turn away from anger.

#6 – Do be diligent in your work.

The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!” … Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

God doesn’t expect us to work for our salvation; Jesus did all that work Himself on the cross and offers it to us as a gift. But God does expect us to work diligently to provide for the needs of our family, to give generously to those in need, to support the work of the gospel, and to advance Christ’s kingdom. Laziness is not a virtue, and it is the fastest way to destroy your own life. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (Colossians 3:23-24).

Do you want success and honor in this life? Proverbs shows us how. Fear God and be humble. Guard your reputation by always doing what is right. Watch your mouth, and learn to speak with grace-filled, God-honoring words. Stay away from debt and avoid angry people. And whatever God gives you to do – whether humble or exalted – work hard, as unto the Lord.