Visiting with one of our senior adults at church regarding challenges facing the world today, she remarked, “You know what my mom always said, ‘You can’t put an old head on young shoulders.'” Growing up in the country, I’m surprised I had never heard that before then. The idiom comes from unknown origins and captures a simple but powerful concept.
Often young people both do not see the value of wisdom as a young person nor do they stop long enough to consider it. As we age though, we look backwards often and see the mistakes that were made, the wisdom missed, and the opportunities blown. Yet, as this dear friend said, as a young person you must grow in it; it is not simply given to you.
Consider Jesus. He grew as well. As Jesus grew in His teenage years, Luke described His growth. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
Wisdom’s Value
As I mentioned above, young people many times fail to see the value and beauty of wisdom. Therefore, as one of the older ones, those like me share the responsibility to make wisdom beautiful for those who are younger than us. We seek to encourage those who are younger to pay attention to her, listen intently, and follow her instruction.
Notice how Solomon described it:
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.
5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life. (Proverbs 4:1-13)
Go for wisdom! Listen to it. Strive for it. Solomon says, with all your getting – get it!
You Can’t Put an Old Head on Young Shoulders
You can’t put an old head on young shoulders! Exactly.
However, you can begin to walk toward wisdom. One step at a time. Read the Word of God. Listen to those who are older. Seek to hear what they say. Ask them questions. Refer back to the Bible after you listen and watch. Hear God’s Word, then seek to apply it carefully to your next step.
If you are one of us older ones, then be willing to share when asked. Make yourself available. Refer back to the Bible yourself and make sure that you walk and promote the Word rather than just life wisdom by experience.
Life often provides a perfect opportunity for each of us. Older people who have walked in Christ with the Lord get to live with and around those who have not had the same experiences. For the young then, lean into this wisdom from God’s Word that is lived out in this older person. For the older, enjoy living life fulfilling your opportunities in the life of the younger.
Along the way, as Jesus, the young will increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Image Credit Caspar Rae
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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