On Age And Wisdom
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Audie Lim, D&N Facilitator)
READ:
Job 32,33 (ESV)
OBSERVE:
In today’s passage, Elihu finally speaks. He explains why he must speak in chapter 32 in a rebuke against Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. And in chapter 33, he goes on to rebuke Job too. He reminds Job that for all his claims to be a righteous man 33:9-11, he is but a righteous sinner. Then in 33:12-28, He reminds Job that the Creator does not justify Himself to the creature. He further emphasizes the redemptive purpose of suffering, and how God uses it to discipline and to bring people back from “going down into the pit.” However, it is what chapter 32 informs me about Elihu that holds my attention.
APPLY:
“Behold, I waited for your words…” was what Elihu said, because he deferred to his older friends, and hoped to listen and learn from them (Job 32:4,11). In other words, he was quick to listen and slow to speak. And so, I wonder how many times have I been like that? How many times did I truly want to learn from another? The answer is, far too few.
Then in Job 32:8-9, Elihu tells us why he must speak. “But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.” As a younger man, I could imagine myself saying this. But now as an older man, I am compelled to acknowledge the truth in these words.
Of course, there is no necessary connection between whitening hair and wisdom. It doesn’t mean there is a necessary connection between the sparkle of youth and wisdom either. But I am reminded that I should never assume that my longest held beliefs are also the truest. And should I seek understanding, “How old is he?” is not just an unseemly question, but also a prideful one to contemplate. It should matter more about who has the Spirit of wisdom. It should matter more that I can, against my conceit, unlearn and relearn from those in whom the Spirit’s work is evident.
DO:
I shall seek to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I shall endeavour to listen to another not because they are young or old but as those whom the Spirit rouses. I shall speak to another not because I am young or old but to speak from the fullness of the Spirit within. And should greater understanding come to me, may I remember that it is the Spirit that gives me wisdom and nothing of my own doing. I do not possess innate greater wisdom than others.
PRAY:
Father God, thank You for opening my eyes to Your truths. May it please You to grant me wisdom, patience and meekness that I may listen, learn and speak appropriately. Will me away from my stubborn ways and aid me to do what You have charged; that I may rise above myself to speak boldly or to receive humbly the measure of Your words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
