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The Folly and Vanity of Youth: Confronting the Sins Common to Young People
The Folly and Vanity of Youth was inspired by a series of sermons preached by
Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) on the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew
20:1–16). Expanding upon Keach’s list of sins common to young people, Corey
Johnson examines each one in detail, challenging the notion that young age absolves
moral responsibility while consistently proclaiming Christ as the only hope for sinners.
This book was written with the intention to help bring young people to maturity, encourage them to leave their childish
Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) on the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew
20:1–16). Expanding upon Keach’s list of sins common to young people, Corey
Johnson examines each one in detail, challenging the notion that young age absolves
moral responsibility while consistently proclaiming Christ as the only hope for sinners.
This book was written with the intention to help bring young people to maturity, encourage them to leave their childish
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 12, 2026
This book does a great job pointing out the sins that young people and really every human fall into on a daily basis. The down side of this book is that the author doesn't do the best job of showing how to fight the sin he just points it out.
June 29, 2026
This book would be a great resource for those attempting to reveal to youth the error in their ways without making it seem like said leader or mentor is coming down upon them specifically. I did not work through the accompanying workbook, but I imagine it would, as a package, make this review closer to 5 stars as the only thing I felt was missing was stronger application. However, with the right mentor and with discipline, that issue would be easily resolved.
March 5, 2026
A gospel-grounded and convicting book based on the teachings of Benjamin Keach regarding sins common to the young.
Dr. Johnson consistently reminds the reader that these are not sins exclusive to the young, and all of us need to evaluate ourselves and consider how we may also have fallen prey to these vices. They are: pride, idleness and deferment, inclination to gratify carnal appetites (broken down into lusts of the flesh, prodigality, and anger), lying, obstinacy, inconstancy and levity, and running with bad company.
I am a chronic judge of books by their covers, and this one had me primed to hear lots and lots of examples of how young women in particular are vain and foolish. In that, I was surprised to find myself wrong. (What??? Judging a book by its cover DOESN'T work????) His examples were equal-opportunity, or perhaps even more critical of young men than of young women. For example, "Because young people act inconsiderately, they are often quick to act foolishly. Rarely do they count the cost of or consider the consequences of their actions. They are generally impulsive, especially boys and young men, and will often act silly in inappropriate settings to get attention. They overreact, are quick to anger, tend toward aggressive behavior, and take foolish risks, which is especially seen when they are driving a vehicle." (p. 35)
Despite the heavier hand towards young men, I suspect that the study guide will help make up for this. I was told it helps with thinking through personal applications. I look forward to working through it with one or more of my kids.
The writer consistently comes back to the gospel at the end of each chapter. Otherwise this could be a very dark book. Jesus always gives us hope of forgiveness and real change.
I would recommend this book to parents, young adults, pastors, and elders.
Dr. Johnson consistently reminds the reader that these are not sins exclusive to the young, and all of us need to evaluate ourselves and consider how we may also have fallen prey to these vices. They are: pride, idleness and deferment, inclination to gratify carnal appetites (broken down into lusts of the flesh, prodigality, and anger), lying, obstinacy, inconstancy and levity, and running with bad company.
I am a chronic judge of books by their covers, and this one had me primed to hear lots and lots of examples of how young women in particular are vain and foolish. In that, I was surprised to find myself wrong. (What??? Judging a book by its cover DOESN'T work????) His examples were equal-opportunity, or perhaps even more critical of young men than of young women. For example, "Because young people act inconsiderately, they are often quick to act foolishly. Rarely do they count the cost of or consider the consequences of their actions. They are generally impulsive, especially boys and young men, and will often act silly in inappropriate settings to get attention. They overreact, are quick to anger, tend toward aggressive behavior, and take foolish risks, which is especially seen when they are driving a vehicle." (p. 35)
Despite the heavier hand towards young men, I suspect that the study guide will help make up for this. I was told it helps with thinking through personal applications. I look forward to working through it with one or more of my kids.
The writer consistently comes back to the gospel at the end of each chapter. Otherwise this could be a very dark book. Jesus always gives us hope of forgiveness and real change.
I would recommend this book to parents, young adults, pastors, and elders.
May 28, 2026
Excellent, excellent book for all — but especially for parents, pastors and young people.
Each chapter examines a particular sin that young people specifically, though not exclusively, are prone to. Some examples being lying, being rash and inconsiderate, running with bad company.
Almost every page of my book has multiple highlights. Helpful in the training of my own children, but also in thinking of our church’s youth ministry. Hard-hitting and to the point. Sin is sin no matter the age and the sooner a person comes to Christ the better!
“While adults tend to undervalue the sins of young people, the Scriptures make no allowance for sin regardless of who commits it.”
Each chapter examines a particular sin that young people specifically, though not exclusively, are prone to. Some examples being lying, being rash and inconsiderate, running with bad company.
Almost every page of my book has multiple highlights. Helpful in the training of my own children, but also in thinking of our church’s youth ministry. Hard-hitting and to the point. Sin is sin no matter the age and the sooner a person comes to Christ the better!
“While adults tend to undervalue the sins of young people, the Scriptures make no allowance for sin regardless of who commits it.”
July 8, 2026
Great content. I just wish there was more attention given to application.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews