Aging Well

(Proverbs 16:31 KJV)  The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

The KJV puts in the little word “if” between the phrases here.  It is in italics, so the Hebrew does not contain it.  Many of the translations have a conditional word in there someway.  I like that.  I think it brings it together.  I think it makes this clear that age does not necessarily bring wisdom or make someone worthy of praise.  It is age gained in a life of “righteousness” (6666).

Take Solomon as an example.  He started off well.  He was given the gift of wisdom.  He was known well enough that the queen of the south came to visit him.  Yet the older he got the further he was from that gift of wisdom.  Leave aside all the wives and concubines.  All you need to do is look at how his sons turned out.  It really is not for me to judge but it seems that if all your kids go bad there is something missing in your parenting.

So?  Don’t expect respect just because you are old.  Walk in righteousness and you will deserve it even if it is not granted.  Keep in mind that we are supposed to be pleasing God not the Gallup pollster.