With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Job 12:12 KJV
We all have had our moments when we were growing up and felt like the older generation had no idea what they were talking about or what was going on.
They would speak but it would go “in one ear and out the other.”
We sometimes chose to listen to others.
You know, the ones who thought they knew it all and didn’t.
Only to find out later in life that our elders really did know what they were talking about.
Wishing we had listened to what the older generation were saying.
Wise, older individuals have much to teach us about life.
In the Bible, Job is speaking to us concerning the wisdom, and power the Father desires us to have.
About all the things he went through.
The wisdom he was given when he listened to God and not the people around him. The ones that were giving him bad advice.
The things he learned and how it helped him make it through his troubling times.
He was speaking to us from experience.
Showing us that no matter what we are going through, we are to keep our trust in the Lord.
An important truth.
On the other hand, 1 Kings 12, shows us what happens when we choose not to listen to the knowledge and wisdom the elderly can provide.
King Solomon had passed away and Rehoboam, his son, became king.
Jeroboam, was the son of Nebat, who had fled from the presence of King Solomon and was living in Egypt (v.2).
The people of Israel called on him and together they went to speak to the new king (v.3).
They were telling the new king how his “father made [their] yoke grievous and would he make the “heavy yoke which [his father] had put upon [them] lighter. In return they would serve him (v.4).
In the beginning, King Rehoboam made conversation with the elders. The ones who had “stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived” asking for advice on how to answer the people (v.6).
With all wisdom, they told him how he should handle the situation (v.7).
“But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him” (v.8).
Listening to them and not the elders, he made the burden on the people even greater and some of the people left (vv.14-16).
In the end, his actions cost him his kingdom (vv. 18-20).
All because he failed to see that “with the ancient [the elders] is wisdom and in length of days understanding” (Job 12:12).
Never feel like the advice that comes from our elders has no value.
The have years of experience, especially those who have walked with God and listened well to what He was telling them.
Think about all the wisdom and knowledge He has given them!
They have much to share.
Our elders know more than we think.
They know that there is a Word from God that confirms His wisdom which provides for the salvation of all who come to Him.
Take the time to listen.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, there is an abundance of social and emotional knowledge that we can gain from the elderly. We all need to take the time to listen, read, and receive the wisdom they bring to us. They have been through many things in their lives. Giving testimonies of how God rules over everything, from the counseling of His will to the ordering of our affairs. Job stood on the Word and made it through. We don’t want to be like Rehoboam and make bad choices. Let us take the time to listen. To really hear what You are telling us. There is always something beneficial to be learned. We are thankful that You love us and want the best for our lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen