Proven

A boy (needs to) distinguish between the ever popular notions of
self-esteem, and the biblical concept of self-respect.

Self-esteem is found in Galatians 6:3 ‘For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.’ A boy lounging on a soft couch can fancy himself quite the working man.

But self-respect is found in the next verse. ‘But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden’ (6:4-5).

Work should not just be done, it should be proven, tested. And when it is, a boy learns the deep and godly satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

(Future Men, Ch 7)