The Beauty of Age

(Proverbs 20:29 KJV)  The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

There is “honor” (1926) in “gray hair” (7872).  Why do so many people try to cover it up?  Why are so many people reluctant to tell their age when the number is big.  I remember a mother who would visit me at school and bring her younger children.  One of the rituals we went through was to talk about how her little one was three years old.  He was proud to hold up the fingers and share it with us.  It was a big deal.  I don’t ever remember the mother’s age being discussed.  And we all know people who tell us they are 29 and will always be 29.

Perhaps we do this because we want “glory” (8597) more than honor.  We want the fun and games rather than the insight and wisdom.  The Bible does not condemn strength and vitality but also reminds us that it is fleeting.  Wisdom on the other hand becomes more useful.  Wisdom also might keep us from doing something that is “fun” or dangerous.  Maybe that is why we don’t seek it as much as we should.

So?  If you are young, enjoy it.  The same if you are old.