the wisdom of old age: One Year Bible Reading for September 19

 Today we read these verses in the One Year Bible:

Isaiah 30:12-33:9
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22 

Let's look at the proverb. It says, "Listen to your father, who gave you life: do not despise your mother in her old age."

And that's good advice, especially if you read it carefully. But first let me say that as a culture, we REALLY need to learn to respect older people and the wisdom that (usually) comes with old age. I love Oscar Wilde. He's so witty that even HE doesn't understand half the things he said. He said the quote in the picture above. And sure, there are times when age comes without holding hands with its friend wisdom.

But old age gives a perspective that is literally impossible to have when you're younger. I recently saw someone post the popular idea that we need to get rid of all of the 70+ year old politicians because they're not representing us, they're representing a mentality that is all but gone. And while I do agree that most politicians today, especially some of the older ones, are out of touch with reality, it points to a deeper problem in our culture - that we don't respect the wisdom of old age. I heard a young man in a coffee shop loudly opine that no one over the age of 30 should hold public office. He thought "how great would it be if college kids ran the world!" and I shuddered at the thought.

SO! Let's keep in mind that mom and dad have some wisdom that might be worth listening to. the Bible tells us to LISTEN. Once we've heard their perspective, it gives us more to consider when making our decisions.

God, thanks for reminding us to listen to the wisdom that comes (usually) with old age.