The wisdom of the elderly is the strength of the younger generation for it has been molded by their many experiences. It was the rejection of the advice of the elderly and the acceptance of the suggestion of the young men that led to the downfall of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon who succeeded him as king ( 1 Kings 12).King Solomon ,who was known for his wisdom, himself had quite a few elders in his courts to offer him counsel. Rehoboam’s actions reveal that he has ignored Solomon’s teachings which states not to disregard the instructions of one’s father and his father’s friends. We should realize that the wrinkles in the faces of the aged are the experiences of their glorious past, the lines on their palms a sign of their hardwork, their grey hairs a crown of their knowledge and their faded eyes a lamp for the younger generation. The elderly are often neglected by the youth who struggle to live in the present with their busy schedules. But God uses the senior citizens also. That is why the Bible teaches us that they will still bear fruit even in oldage.

1. Wisdom of Fear of God (Genesis 24: 1 -14)
Genesis 24 illustrates Abraham who is old and well advanced in years sending his servant Eliezer to seek a wife for his son. He advised his servant not to get a wife for his son from the Canaanites among whom he lives but to get a daughter- in- law for him from amongst a people who worships the one true God. This depicts the fear and faith in God.The wisdom of the aged emerge from their devotion towards God for many of them have tasted and known God personally. The present generation should grasp this and increase their love and concern for the older generation.

2. Wisdom of Faith (2 Timothy 1: 3-14)
Apostle Paul writes a letter to his spiritual son Timothy and advices him to intensify his faith in God. He instructs him to take his mother and grandmother as role models for this sincere faith in God for 2 Timothy 1:5 says “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”. Wisdom of the parents of the older generation was rooted in faith in God. That is why their lives were centered on God. All they had was faith in God. We must gather this kind of wisdom which is ingrained in faith.

3. Wisdom in Righteousness (Luke 1: 5-7)
Luke describes Zechariah and Elizabeth who were well along in years thus, “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly” (Luke 1:6). We had a generation that has gone by who walked in truth and righteousness. It wasn’t just in devotion and faith that they showcased their wisdom but by action also. It is the older generation who walked in integrity that reminds the younger generation to fight for righteousness and to stand for the truth.

4. Bear fruit even during Old Age (Psalm 92)
The wisdom of the senior citizens is not one to be buried butshould be transmittedto the present generation. They should continue to yield fruits even during old age. The aged need not spend their lives in grief and loneliness. The Bible tells us to “…still bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:14). The advices that Christ gives to produce good fruit are also to be remembered at this instant. The senior citizens should also be ready to utilize any means by which they will be of use to God and society.

Prayer : God of our ancestors, you have taught us to honour the elders, since they are our models of our life and witness. Thank you for the committed priests like Zechariah who walked in your ways blamelessly in their life and ministry. Lead us to tread in the way your servants have led their lives as a blessing to many people especially the people who are given to our families as a source of blessing. Grant us your guidance to respect the elders and learn wisdom from their experience of life. We ask pray through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Quotes
Scripture is filled with examples of men and women whom God used late in life, often with great impact- men and women who refused to use old age as an excuse to ignore what God wanted them to do. – Billy Graham

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator- Confucius

Translation : Neena Kishor, PhD Scholar, Department of English, University of Kerala