Wisdom Never Gets Old

"The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head."

Proverbs 20:29

With age and experience can come enhancement in decision-making, perspective, as well as the understanding of others, and most important our intimacy with God. Generally speaking, with age there comes an overabundance of wisdom just waiting to be tapped. Some of the most memorable stories of real life events that inspire, challenge, educate and entertain us come from the aged, those that have lived long and have been seasoned by life, not embittered by it. Those approaching their twilight years and who love Jesus have an eternal perspective that is most often infectious. They see God for who He is and by that I mean they understand in a greater way His sovereign control.

When I think about the practical wisdom of the aged a funny story comes to mind about a young man visiting a flower shop. The story goes like this… “The young man ahead of my father at the flower shop was taking an unusually long time to place his order. When the elderly woman behind the counter asked how she could help, he explained that his girlfriend was turning 19 and he couldn't decide whether to give her a dozen roses or 19 roses -- one for each year of her life. The woman put aside her business judgment for a moment and advised the young man with her sage wisdom when she said, "She may be your 19-year-old girlfriend now, but someday she could be your 50-year-old wife." The young man smiled and bought a dozen roses.”

What a smart man this young man was indeed to heed the counsel of the wise flower shop clerk. Remember, '“knowledge" is the accumulation of facts, "wisdom" is the application of facts.' Be smart, seek council from those God has placed in your life who are much older and wiser and act upon what you glean. It might not just save you a few dollars as in the story here, it might just save your life as Proverbs 9:9-11 reminds us, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.”
 
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding”

Proverbs 3:13

I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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