Despisable.

Despise - from καταφρονέω meaning to contemn, despise, disdain, think little or nothing of. Vines says:”lit., “to think down upon or against anyone’ (kata, ‘down,' phren, the mind’), hence signifies 'to think slightly of, to despise,’” It is the word used in Hebrews 12:2 where Jesus despised “the shame,” presumably that shame associated with crucifixion “and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Paul says to Timothy “Let no man despise thy youth…” (1 Timothy 4:12). Conversely, or in answer to that possible despising, he says “but be thou an example of the believers, in word,  in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (4:12).  And in the verses that follow his ongoing imperatives, which are also answers include: “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” (vs. 14), to exhortation (vs 14), to teaching (vs 14), “do not neglect the gift you have” (vs. 15), “immerse yourself in” these things (vs. 16), “keep a close watch on yourself” (vs. 17). If that thought is carried into the next chapter then it includes how you treat others: Older men, older women, younger women. There’s more there but here’s the idea: You earn the right to not have the fact that you are young despised or disrespected. It doesn’t just come because you: Demand it, think it is your right, or speak truth to power. 

I’d also think some need to hear that while we do not want others to disrespect our youth, we must not despise that we are younger. There is much you have to offer simply because you are young: You have energy, a quicker mind, a natural appeal to others. You have the hope of others for great things. You will be forgiven more quickly for the mistakes of “youth.” Your faith and faithfulness livens ALL who love the Lord and His Work. Your faith and faithfulness give us hope that the future is going to be awesome. Please, do not despise your own youth. Handle it with care, grace, and do great things for God now!