Day 11 — Clean Clothes

“Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.”

— Ecclesiastes 9:8 (BSB)

Here’s a verse you might not expect to find in the Bible! Solomon was talking about enjoying life, and part of his advice was: “Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head.” In other words: keep your clothes clean, and take care of yourself.

That’s great advice for a guy going through puberty, because your body is about to need a lot more care than it used to.

Sweat and body odor. During puberty, you start to sweat more, especially under your arms and on your feet. And that sweat can start to smell. Sometimes guys don’t even notice their own smell, but everyone else does! Here’s what to do:

• Shower every day, especially after sports or exercise. Use soap, and actually wash your armpits, feet and private area.
• Use deodorant every morning. Ask your parents to help you pick one.
• Wear clean clothes, including clean socks and underwear every day.
• Wash your sports gear. Stinky jerseys, pads and shoes need cleaning too.

Oily skin and pimples. Your skin gets oilier during puberty, and you might start getting pimples (also called acne), especially on your face, back and chest. Almost every teenager gets them! Wash your face gently every morning and night, try not to pick or pop pimples, and ask a parent or doctor for help if they really bother you.

Oily hair. Your hair may get greasy faster, so wash it more often.

Teeth and breath. Brush twice a day. Nobody likes dragon breath!

Sleep, food and exercise. Your growing body needs lots of rest, good food, plenty of water and time to move. Taking care of these helps your body, your mood and even your skin.

Taking care of your body isn’t about showing off or being vain. It’s about being a good steward of the body God gave you. It’s also a way of loving the people around you, because no one wants to sit next to the smelly guy!

And here’s a bonus: when you feel clean and fresh, you usually feel more confident too.

If you’re not sure how to do some of these things, that’s okay. Nobody is born knowing. Ask your dad or another man you trust to show you.

Think about it: Which of these ways of caring for your body do you already do well? Which do you need to start?

Try this: Make a simple morning and evening routine: shower, deodorant, clean clothes, face washing and teeth. Ask a parent to help you stick to it for a week.

Dear God, thank You for my body. Help me take good care of it as it grows and changes. Help me stay clean and healthy, not to show off, but to honor You and be kind to the people around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.