Young and Old
Proverbs
Chapter 20 Verse 29
Good News
Bible.
(29) We
admire the strength of youth and respect the gray hair of age.
When we are
young we are not giving much thought to our old age. We live life at lightning
speed, change our minds often, we are adventurous, we work to build our future,
and perhaps we marry and have a family.
As we look
at our grandparents we think — that is so many years down the road for us
—because we are in our youth.
But wait…
God tells us to admire the strength of the youth and to respect the gray hair
of age.
Admire –
regard with respect or warm approval
Respect —
(1)a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their
abilities, qualities, or achievements.
(2) Due
regard for the feelings, rights, or traditions of others.
These are
the meanings I found in the Oxford dictionary.
I believe
the intention of the Lord was to let generations go through life together. The
older generation guiding the younger generation through life. When we spend
time with family, (three generations at a time, seems to be the norm these
days) – what joy we see. The grandfather teaching his son, who in turn teaches
his son, and then on to his son. What a blessing to learn from generations
ahead of us. The wisdom we can draw from the generation or generations ahead of
us is absolutely priceless.
Even my
generation now can learn from the younger, as we see life so differently in
this younger generation. I can only speak for a span of close to 70 years, as
in 2022; I will be 70 years old. So even
as I think of the years I have been given, I also see how life has changed, and
yet how so many things remain the same.
As we share
our lives in two or three generations hopefully we all benefit from being with
one another. Each one learning something new. As we share our unique abilities
to make one another’s lives better, hopefully we can share God and His ways. Learning
from His word how to be a good neighbor, how to be a better parent, and how to
be a respectful child.
Building a
good foundation is the key to success. Knowing that all things are in order
makes for easier daily living. Helping others build relationships and teaching
others our skills can be very beneficial to both them and us. Others
undoubtedly have skills that we can learn from as well.
The word of
God here in Proverbs 20 verse 29 tells us to admire the strength of the youth.
We can all benefit from the young people as they share their strength in many
ways. Some young men and women have
served and continue to serve in our country, in the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Police Force and Medicine, to name a few; using their skills to make a
better world for all to enjoy. As they serve God they will see He protects them
and guides them.
The older
generation have been through the years of life gaining valuable wisdom,
knowledge, patience, and life skills. As they impart that to the younger
generation hopefully it will save them from making any mistakes their
forefathers did; and learn from them. Mistakes are a great teaching tool if
when, in fact, we learn from them to make our lives better.
So you see
this proverb helps us to understand that we need each other, whatever age we
are. All of us can and should, contribute to the years of life we are granted
here on earth. The strong (younger) to carry us along and the wise (older) to
give good counsel. As we share in each other’s gifts, (strength and wisdom), we
build a better nation, respecting each other. Seeking God in all things,
following His direction, leaning on His strength and loving each other in His
love will help us live a life bringing honour to one another and to God. He
created us to be His people throughout the generations, to serve each other and
in turn, serve Him.
Whether we are
young or old we have a purpose in life, and God has a plan for our life. In
Proverbs chapter 8 verse 32 from the Good News Bible it reads;
32 “Now,
young men, listen to me. Do as I say, and you will be happy.
33 Listen to what you were taught. Be wise; do
not neglect it.
This my
friends, is good advice for all of us, young or old.
Have a great
day learning and living the word of God as you journey along.
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