Hey! This book is full of some advice for some teens (like myself) who are aspiring to become a better Catholic/Christian and stuff. Or if you're thinking of coming into the Church. Feel free to ask any questions, and I'm also here to talk with you...
Hey there! For the first 31 days, I'm going to post a chapter of Proverbs for you to read each day. This book of the Bible is made specifically for the young people, although it can be enjoyed by people of basically any age. I actually haven't read this book of the Bible in forever, so this is kind of new for me, too! In fact, I never even thought of this until it was recommended to me at a retreat, during a talk done by (the absolutely fantastic) Jason Evert.
There's subtitles for different sections in the chapter, so those are what's italicized and have the dashes. Enjoy!
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Proverbs - Chapter 1
--- The Purpose of Proverbs ---
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
--- A Father's Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom ---
My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don't neglect your mother's instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!
They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let's ambush the innocent! Let's swallow them alive, like the grave let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we'll all share the loot."
My child, don't go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.
They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed.
Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.
--- Wisdom Shouts in the Streets ---
Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate:
"How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.
"I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
"When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm."
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Okay, so I'll also give you a saint to relate with. Most of the ones I post about will be in their younger years in life.
St. Jose Sanchez del Rio - 14 years
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^^^ Picture of Jose above ^^^
St. Jose Sanchez del Rio was a 14-year-old martyr (1913-1928), put to death for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith.
Jose was born into the "Cristero War" in 1926, which occurred in many of Central-Western Mexican states. The government wanted to rid of anything that had to do with the Christian faith. He then proceeded to join the Christian rebels in proclaiming his faith.
However, he was later tortured by the soldiers. He had to bear witness to another Catholic man being hung for his religion, and instead of becoming afraid, he encouraged the man in saying that they will meet each other in heaven. He prayed the rosary while imprisoned, and when the soldiers gave him shoes to walk to the cemetery, he said he didn't need them, as it was Heaven he would be going to. They consequently cut off the soles of his feet and mockingly told him to walk, in which he did. They shattered glass in his path and prodded him with bayonets, saying that it would all stop if he renounced the name of Jesus.
He refused to do so. Instead of saying what the soldiers wanted him to say, which was "Death to Christ the King," Jose said "I will never give in. Viva Cristo Rey!'" This means "Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!" As he was dying, he drew a cross into the dirt and kissed it to show that he truly loved the Lord.
His bravery is now an example for many people worldwide. I, personally, envy the fact that he could be so brave, since I can easily be discouraged by what the modern world says. That's why he is a wonderful person to ask for intercession whenever you feel embarrassed about Christianity.
