I. The glory of young men is their physical strength. In the great battle against the kingdom of darkness we want, not only a consecrated soul, but a strong arm, stout lungs, and vigorous muscle.
II. The glory of young men is their intellectual strength. A man with any nobleness of character will take a legitimate pride in the possession of a sound reason, a calm judgment, a vigorous brain. The Gospel does not enslave the reason, it sets it free. God requires of you that you think for yourselves. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
III. The glory of young men is their moral strength. It is a grand thing for a man to have a delicate moral sensitiveness, and a strong moral determination. By the former he will scent vice afar off"; and by the latter he will keep out of the way of the tempter, and resist to the death when he is tempted. The very badge of true manliness is self-control.
IV. The glory of young men is their spiritual strength. I speak now of the strength of religious faith. Only a believer can say, with David, "He strengthened me with strength in my soul." Far, far below his true dignity must man remain, until he knows the God that made him.
J. Thain Davidson, Talks with Young Men,p. 3.
References: Proverbs 21:1-8. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs, vol. ii., p. 379. Proverbs 21:2. Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes: Genesis to Proverbs, p. 178. Proverbs 21:9-13. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs, vol. ii., p. 390. Proverbs 21:10. Expositor, 3rd series, vol. iv., p. 268. Proverbs 22:1. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven, 2nd series, p. 195.Proverbs 22:1-6. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs, vol. iii., p. 25.