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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Flee also youthful lusts." Not only the lust of fornication, but every inordinate desire is a youthful lust. Let the aged learn that they ought not to do the deeds of the youthful. If one be given to insolence, or a lover of power, of riches, of bodily pleasures, it is a youthful lust, and foolish. These things must proceed from a heart not yet established, from a mind not deeply grounded, but in a wavering state. What then does he advise in order that none may be captivated by these things? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Youthful lusts — not only the lust of fornication, but every improper desire, love of power, or love of gain. For these passions and fantasies are senseless and characteristic of unstable souls. See how even old age is likened to youth. He calls "righteousness" virtue in general. Faith and love genuine and firm toward those whom you love. As if he says: do not be unfaithful and unsteady. Therefore he adds the following. …
Oecumenius
Flee from youthful lust. But pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Youthful lust is not only fornication alone, but also every improper desire, whether one lusts for power or for wealth; for these fantasies are foolish and unstable of mind. Indeed, even an old man becomes youthful. But pursue righteousness. Righteousness is defined as the true and loyal temperament toward those we love. love, and peace with those who call on the Lord. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
But flee youthful desires: I say that you should avoid certain things, in order that you may be a cleansed vessel; therefore flee youthful desires. It should be noted that he says this because Timothy is still a youth. These desires are the pursuit of outward vanities and carnal pleasures, both of which young men naturally desire: youth and pleasure are vain (Eccl 11:10). There are two reasons for this: one, because they have not experienced some of them; the other is because such natural pleasures act as a good medicine after labor. …
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