With Old Age Comes Wisdom
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister
People say that with old age comes wisdom. There is some truth to the idea that with old age comes experience, and experience can guide right and wrong choices. However, wisdom comes from God and is a gift and a promise from God. It is important to note that wisdom is not the same as intelligence. In congregations I have served in the past, I have had close relationships with many highly intelligent people. They were not always wise in the Biblical sense of the word. No matter how high their IQ, they still had hearts filled with prejudice, intolerance, and spiritual ignorance.
In the Old Testament, wisdom starts with reverence, humility, and recognition of God’s authority. This kind of wisdom involves moral insight and the capacity to choose what is right, just, and beneficial for oneself and others. Old Testament wisdom emphasizes discernment – understanding how to apply God’s principles in everyday life. In the New Testament, wisdom takes on a deeper spiritual dimension through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Wisdom is linked with spiritual maturity, humility, faith, and seeking it through prayer and obedience to God. It is King Solomon of the Old Testament who is often used as an example of wisdom in action and how to receive it. Solomon’s one request to God was to be given wisdom in order to govern people and judge fairly. His request reflects the Biblical view that wisdom includes justice, compassion, and the ability to make sound decisions that align with God’s will. In the Epistle of James, he teaches that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to those who seek it. Therefore, Biblical wisdom is not something you achieve through age or experience alone; it is something you ask God for and seek after your whole life. Jesus said, “Seek, and you shall find.” What Jesus didn’t say was what it was we were to seek. Seek wisdom, and you shall find it, and you will also be aligned with God’s will.
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in a Christian Faith Based setting
to encourage the Character Quality of Wisdom.
Our other Pillars have resources that can be adapted for use in a Christian setting.
Visit Wisdom in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Wisdom in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Wisdom in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
