I think we are reminded in verse 1 that the sooner we get our focus on God the better off we will be. The quicker we realize that our lives have been given to us as a gift from God, the better off we will be because we will bring our Creator into our decisions. He knows best what our life purpose is, so to know God and follow His lead will not completely prevent us from trouble, but it will help us not to lose our focus or the purpose of our lives in the midst of problems. If we can get our children to simply know and love God at a young age, we can set them on a path that will not be bump free but will be a life well-lived for the LORD. This is not just for the young though. Whatever age you may be it is not too late to turn your eyes to Jesus and live your life for Him. You may have wasted years in the past, but you can make the most of today and the days ahead for God. I have never met someone who wished they had waited to get serious about their faith until they got older. I have heard many who regret not getting serious about their faith in their younger days.
V.13-14 is a great summary statement of what we need to remember. Fear God (Respect God, Honor God, be in Awe of God) and keep His commands. A major component of our faith boils down to this: Love God and Listen to God. The two go together: Almost everyone will claim they love God. But to refuse to obey God shows a lack of love for God. That is why we must Love God and Listen to Him. We obey not to be saved; we obey because we know what it means to be saved. We also know that obedience to God is actually the best thing for us because He loves us and knows what is best.