Several things have recently underscored, for me, the importance of wisdom that comes from lived experience as we grow older. The Bible exhorts us to tap into that wisdom; the Proverbs include multiple verses on that concept, as does Job: “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (12:12), and many Psalms. I’m likely one of many who relate to the truism, “My parents got smarter as I got older.”
In Deuteronomy, younger Israelites were advised to listen to stories from previous generations about God’s faithfulness (32:7), and in the New Testament, Paul encourages older men and women in the churches to teach the younger ones. At the Senior Adult Conference I attended recently, inspirational speakers shared spiritual and practical ways grandparents can continue to impact their families and churches, based on the conference theme verse, Psalm 92:14: “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. . . .” I saw such fruit in my dad as he continued to pray and give input, in his quiet and faithful way, to our kids and his church.
One way I find myself continuing to learn and grow is in the area of compassion. When I see someone making bad financial decisions, I recall the pressure my husband and I felt to take on debt to accomplish goals. It didn’t work out well for us, but remembering the experiences that led to it helps me ask leading questions to help younger people examine why they are tempted to do something similarly dumb and, hopefully, make better choices—much more productive than criticizing them. I try to avoid jumping to conclusions about the homeless, addicted, etc., saying a prayer for them instead and contributing to local organizations that offer help. While bad decisions are certainly a possible factor in their circumstances, so are unexpected job loss or PTSD.
In my First5 study of the theme of exile in the Bible, one sad example of failure to respect the “wisdom with age” concept came up this week. Following the reigns of King David and King Solomon, who didn’t always make great choices but still led with reasonable success, Solomon’s son Rehoboam was preparing to take over as king. The Bible records in 1 Kings 12 that he asked his father’s advisors, now advanced in age, what he should do about the people’s request for a lighter tax and labor burden than was demanded during Solomon’s building of the palace and temple.
The older advisors suggested Rehoboam lighten the load and build relationships with the people, but he rejected that advice. Instead, he turned to his own younger and less experienced friends, who urged him to toughen up even more and show the people who was boss. He did so, causing the rebellion of 10 Israelite tribes and a split kingdom.
That’s not to say the younger generation can’t contribute knowledge! For example, our oldest son applies himself diligently in his banking job, and now helps us with retirement planning. Combining the technical knowledge, study and energy of young adults with the experience of age can produce great results in the community and church!
Whether you’re on the “starting to learn” or the “looking back” end of the spectrum, or anywhere in between, allow the Holy Spirit to help you embrace wisdom!
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