At Ecclesiastes 11:9 it reads: “Rejoice, young man [or, woman], in your youth.”

However, to achieve this ‘rejoicing’ the Bible urges in the following verse: “Remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh; for youth and the prime of life are vanity.”​—Ecclesiastes 11:10.

Parents, take your God-given responsibility seriously, and safeguard your children from the vexation of heart brought on by sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. (Ecclesiastes 11:10)

So remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh; for youth and the prime of life are vanity.”—Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10.

Note the warning God gives young people at Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10: “Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart do you good in the days of your young manhood, and walk in the ways of your heart and in the things seen by your eyes.

Do what you want to do, and follow your heart’s desire.”​—Ecclesiastes 11:9, Today’s English Version.

“Remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh; for youth and the prime of life are vanity,” Solomon continues.​—Ecclesiastes 11:10.

Such calamity could include sexually transmitted diseases, injury sustained in fighting, or other unpleasant things.​—Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1.

So remember your Creator while you are still young, before those dismal days and years come when you will say, ‘I don’t enjoy life.’”​—Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10; 12:1, Today’s English Version.

It also admonishes: “Rejoice . . . in your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

So when you err, it is only right and fair that you be held accountable.—Ecclesiastes 11:9.

However, Solomon follows up these words with a caution: “But know that on account of all these the true God will bring you into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

However, the Bible follows up that advice with this caution: “But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9, Today’s English Version)

‘Rejoice in your youth,’ enjoying the strength and vigor with which you are blessed. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

While you enjoy being in “the prime of life,” they may be enduring the physical problems that have come with increasing age. (Ecclesiastes 11:10)

The Bible further says that there is “a time to laugh” and have a good time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4; 11:9)

Further, the Bible speaks of “the traits of a babe,” the “foolishness” of boyhood, and the “vanity” of adolescence. (1 Corinthians 13:11; Proverbs 22:15; Ecclesiastes 11:10)

But by using thinking ability and discernment, you can do much to “remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh.”​—Ecclesiastes 11:10.

Of course, the Bible encourages you to ‘rejoice in your youth,’ and no one expects you to act like a 50-​year-​old. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Enjoy your youth. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

When you are young, it is only natural to want to have a good time. (Compare Ecclesiastes 11:9.)

Following this advice may not be easy, but it will certainly “remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh” if you do not date until you are old enough to marry.​—Ecclesiastes 11:10.

There is “a time to love,” and in your case that might be years later when you are older.​—Ecclesiastes 11:10; 3:8.

Solomon advised young people: “Remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 11:10)

They well know the pitfalls and dangers of life and want to help you “ward off calamity.”​—Ecclesiastes 11:10.

When heeded, they will enable us, as the Bible says, to ‘remove vexation from our heart, and ward off calamity from our flesh.’​—Eccl. 11:10.