The biggest lesson Justin Timberlake's parents taught him

Justin Timberlake learned some valuable lessons from his parents.

While accepting the first-ever decade award at the Teen Choice Awards, the singer gave an inspiring speech and recalled the greatest lesson his parents taught him.

"I'm here to tell you that you and your choices matter," Timberlake said.

He said that the values that his parents instilled in him have extended throughout his life.

"My parents did their best to fill my young mind not with prejudice and hate, but with compassion and love," he said.

He added that those lessons made him surround himself with people with a myriad of backgrounds in both his life and work.

He also urged young viewers not to "waste" their youth.

"Be part of the solution, not part of the problem," the singer said. "Don't waste your 20s ... be nice to your parents - I hope my son watches this one day. Go out, do the impossible and go on and become the greatest generation yet."

Watch this part of his speech here (via People):