Book Review: Thoughts for Young Men

by Jaimie Helmer
Published February 14, 2023.

J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men, 1886.

John Charles Ryle, commonly known as J.C. Ryle, was an English Anglican bishop who lived from 1816 to 1900. Ryle was born into a wealthy family that enabled him to gain his education at prestigious schools such as Eton College and the University of Oxford. It would be during Ryle's time as an undergraduate at Oxford that he would face a dramatic heart transformation. A serious chest infection came upon him, driving him to Scripture and prayer. Soon after, his heart was captivated by the words of Ephesians 2 while at church. Ryle knew change had taken place. Christ was now his ultimate treasure.

After some financial and health issues that prompted him to contemplate his future career path, Ryle decided to pursue ministry. Later, he became the first bishop of Liverpool. Ryle would go on to write and publish several publications that would impact the world for generations to come. Some of these works include Holiness, Old Paths, and Thoughts for Young Men.

Of the countless books J.C. Ryle has penned, Thoughts for Young Men is a standout. As the title suggests, the book’s counsel is directed towards young men in particular, although anyone can benefit from Ryle’s knowledge. Drawing on Scripture and personal experience, Ryle pinpoints various areas he believes need special attention in the lives of young men. His motivation for doing so is that they may be saved and live their whole lives to the glory of God. Some listed areas of struggle for men in their youth include pride, love of pleasure, thoughtlessness, contempt of religion, and fear of man’s opinion. He expounds on each danger, offering godly counsel along the way by recalling specific instances in Scripture where we see the ultimate result of that sin. In the latter half of the book, Ryle sets forth numerous pieces of advice for the reader to apply to their life.

Although many years have passed since the publishing of this book, the wisdom it contains is timeless. In an age where there are countless temptations pleading for our attention, young men need direction and counsel to help them walk the narrow path. This book should be read by every man in his youth who desires to follow Christ. It will cause you to reevaluate the ways in which you are living, hopefully driving you to prayer and repentance. In it, you will find rebuke, counsel, and an evident desire from the author to see more young men pick up their cross daily. Lastly, it will exhort you to look upon the only one who makes any of these endeavors to fight against sin possible, Christ.