Act Your Age
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.
Insight
Youth delights in deeds of prowess, and glories in physical strength. Age is the time for meditation and sobriety, and of this the gray head is a reminder, beautiful indeed in its place. The young men are those who are strong in the faith, in whom the word of God abides, and who have overcome the wicked one. To the fathers, he simply writes, “Ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” It is that experimental knowledge of Christ which is enlarged and deepened by the passing of the years. 1
Application
In Jeremiah 9:23–24, the prophet explains the value of living for the Lord, no matter ow old your are: “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” What is it about your life that glorifies the Lord? Is there any continual attitudes in your life that grieves God? Will you ask for His forgiveness right now? Will you ask for His help to overcome this? Will you also ask Him to make you even more fruitful, so you can glorify Him even more?
Motivation
I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong. 1 John 2:14
Maturity is seen when we know Him and live for Him and for His glory.
Prayer
Father, thank You for changing me so I could glorify You with my life.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.