The Dual Strength That Makes Young Men Glorious

Proverbs 20:29 declares that the glory of young men is their strength. Joseph S. Exell's Victorian exposition distinguishes between two essential dimensions of this strength, each indispensable to true manhood.

Physical strength—vigor, athleticism, nervous firmness—forms the foundation. Exell observes that Elohim has ordained natural law: weakness limits the perpetuation of moral evil, as depraved lives cannot sustain themselves without conforming to Divine law. Yet some young men squander this glory through folly and wickedness, becoming caricatures of humanity, enervated and self-doomed.

But the text encompasses more than bodily power. Moral strength comprises two forces: first, inertia—moral solidity, gravity, weight, immovability. This passive force demands conviction and decision. Second, motion—active force expressing enthusiasm, energy, enterprise. Without this dynamism, nothing is accomplished in any sphere of life.

Exell charges young men to cultivate both dimensions: develop a strong, healthy body as your physical temple; simultaneously build moral steadfastness grounded in unwavering conviction. Then add the active force—the courage to venture beyond yourself, to do and to dare for Yahweh.

Wisdom belongs to the aged; strength uniquely adorns youth. Yet this glory proves perishable if squandered. The call is clear: preserve and consecrate both your physical vigor and moral fortitude, making yourself an instrument worthy of Adonai's purposes.