INTRODUCTION

Wisdom often results from time and experience. It should not, however, be assumed that old age automatically equals wisdom. For instance, the Bible says, “Better is . . . a wise child than an old and foolish king.” Wisdom comes from the Lord, and He distributes wisdom irrespective of one’s age. Perhaps the wisest statements given by man found within the Book of Job were given by a young man named Elihu (Job 32:6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
See All...). He listened carefully as Job’s older friends spewed forth foolish words. He thought that “days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom” (Job 32:7I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
See All...). Eventually, he came to the conclusion, “great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment” (Job 32:9Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): No matter what your age, if you fear the Lord and do what He says, you attain to wisdom (Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
  See All...). However, be admonished that age does not always result in becoming wise. For instance, Eli was old and knew God, but didn’t fear Him enough to do what God had said (1 Samuel 2:22Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  See All...a, 27- 29; 1 Samuel 3:13For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
  See All...). Thus, Eli was old but not wise.
• (For everyone): Why is it important to understand that old age does not automatically suggest wisdom? Is it possible to receive foolish advice from an older person while receiving wise advice from a youth? Understand that when this happens, it is frequently the exception and not the rule
• What is the source of wisdom? How can you insure that you will grow wiser with age? Why is it important for you to increase in wisdom as you increase in age?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you the ability to know and recognize wise counsel.
• Thank God for His willingness to give wisdom regardless of age.

HYMN

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