This morning we read an article by one of our Youth Authors, Sophia Bonar, who shares her thoughts on wisdom of the young.
Growing up, I have often been reminded to respect my elders. This instruction caused me to be quiet in conversations and gave me the idea that I needed to listen and not voice my opinion – at least to people I didn’t know very well.
Respecting one’s elders has been ingrained in many cultures and families for hundreds of years and even dates back to bible days – as it says in Leviticus 19:32 .. “Show respect for old people and honor them. Reverently obey me; I am the Lord.” (Good News)
This teaching, which has often been taken to extreme, has left me and probably many other young people hesitant to share their opinions and their wisdom. Consequently, this misguided impression has given youth the presumption that lack of age is a lack of wisdom. But I am encouraged when reading 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)” Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
I have recently been slowly reading my way through the story of Job and I have found that it is a very sad story. This man, who says he has done nothing wrong in his life, feels that God has punished him and taken everything away from him. Job has complained and complained and none of his friends are saying anything anymore. They have given up. Finally, someone younger than Job (Elihu) speaks up. “So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. 7 ”I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ 8 But there is a spirit[a] within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent.9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.” Job 32:6-9 (NIV)
So today I just want to encourage you that anything you have to share from your heart is valuable; and remember that age does not necessarily equal wisdom.
So do not be afraid to speak up, respectfully, and do not be afraid to share your story and your wisdom even though you may feel that you are not ‘old enough to be wise’.
“For the lord gives wisdom: out his mouth comes knowledge and understanding”. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Sophia Bonar
3rd July, 2024
Dancing on Water 