We live in the foolish age of youth. 

Wisdom, like everything else today is looked for in our youth.  Do you ever get tired of hearing people talk about how much smarter kids are today than they used to be?  Next time you hear that ask them what study they are basing that fact on.  It will probably be the fact that their kid knows how to use the computer better than they do.  That is not greater knowledge, just different.  Try getting your order from a McDonalds when the power goes off.  The kids at the register have no idea how to make change.  They are used to punching a picture of a burger and wahlah, out comes the right change.  There is nothing wrong with that system, but trust me, it is not indicative of intelligence, let alone wisdom.  As a matter of fact, in our culture today youth is seen as being synonymous with all things desirable.  The only hope for those advancing in age is to stay as young as possible for as long as possible.  Don’t believe me?  Check out a recent copy of AARP to see the parade of all the young old people!  I am not suggesting that there is no value in youth or that we should all wish away whatever youth we might have left (Granted, since I am a card carrying member of AARP I don’t have much to loose).  I am however suggesting as have many before me that while there are advantages to youth, namely strength and energy, it is a decidedly foolish time in a person’s life.  That is not all their fault (only the part where they think they are wise).  The fact is they just haven’t been around long enough to know any better. Who among us with any time at all on this earth has not at one time or another uttered the words, “If I had only known then what I know now.”  Well why didn’t we?  Because we did not have the experience that comes with age.  (Or is it age that comes with experience – As they said in some generation – Same difference.) 

There is only one true source of wisdom if you believe the Bible, and that is from the Lord.  Proverbs, often referred to as the book of wisdom attests to that fact.  Within the book or Proverbs and supported elsewhere in scripture we find that there are basically two ways of attaining wisdom.   The most effective and popular way is experience.  It also takes a long time and is often very painful.  The other way, which is highly recommended by God, is to listen to and learn from the experience of others who have learned by the first way. 

 The fact is, our strength is in our youth, but our wisdom if we have it, is in our aged.  Please note there is a difference between aged and senile.  Confusing this truth is an error often made by the wisdom of youth. They can’t see the difference.  Partly that is because they usually don’t bother to listen long enough to an older person to discern whether the person is senile with age, just old, or wise from the experience of age.  If you pay attention you will find all three kinds of older people.  If you find one with wisdom, spend time with them.  You might skip some of their experiences that they wish they had!

There was a time when age was equated with wisdom.  Proverbs 20:29 says, The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair.   

While a cursory reading of this verse might suggest that the only thing an older person has to offer is good looking gray hair any study of the culture of that age (born out by any commentary or study bible you might wish to consult) will point out that it is in fact a reference to the understood wisdom that comes with the experience of age.  It is at once to be both revered and respected. 

Sometimes the elderly long for the strength and energy of their youth.  But since that is decidedly impossible regardless of whatever remedy the most recent study on aging might be hawking, it would be wiser to use what energy we have left to impart some of our wisdom purchased with our spent youth to those who have not had opportunity to gain it themselves.  However, that can only be done it the extent that they are wise enough to see its value.  Rarely do the youth long for the wisdom that comes with age.  They foolishly think they know it already, or at least as much or more than the older people around them. 

My advice to the young is as follows:  Lesson number one – find a wise older person and listen to them.  (Caution – pick them carefully, and make sure they are Godly.  If they are truly Godly they will encourage you to verify what they are saying with scripture).  Lesson two through whatever will come from that person. But remember, you have to listen.  That does not mean you will or even necessarily should always do what they say, but to not listen is truly foolish.  By the way, in doing this you will honor and respect them, which is what God says they should expect from you.  And that my friends is a win win!

I love being your pastor,

Russ