I heard a story whereby an elderly lady heard on the news that there was a driver driving in the wrong direction in a lane heading directly into oncoming traffic on a busy freeway creating a very dangerous scenario. She became concerned about her husband whom she knew was traveling that very highway at that precise moment, so she quickly called him on her cellphone.
She related the breaking news story to him and warned him to be careful. He responded, “Honey you don’t know the half of it, there isn’t just ONE driver going the wrong direction on this highway, there are HUNDREDS of them!”
This story reminds me of the many times I mistakenly thought I was right on track and everyone else was wrong. I didn’t even consider the possibility that I might be wrong; As one might imagine, I endured devastating setbacks because of my arrogant refusal to consider that maybe, just maybe, I might be wrong about something.
As more white hair developed on my head I began to realize that I wasn’t invincible, and I tried hard to weigh decisions carefully and humbly. I got to the point where I did more things right than wrong and made some progress.
The Bible states in Proverbs 16:31 – White hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
Gain of wisdom comes primarily through experiencing life lessons with the hard lessons being burned into the depths of our souls. Experience enough burning, and righteous wisdom will engulf one’s life.
I explained this to one of my sons the other day. Sometimes we make the perfect decision in life and sometimes we don’t. We learn from each mistake and move forward each time a bit more cautiously. It is difficult for a young man to grasp these things perhaps because of the validity of this verse:
Proverbs 20:29 – The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
I urged him and his brothers to listen to the counsel of others who have experience that they don’t have. However, I urged them to choose their mentors carefully, because everyone with white hair isn’t necessarily wise. According to Proverbs 16:31 White hair is a crown of glory gained in a righteous life. I’ve seen white haired men on death row. So many young folks scoff at older models in their arrogance. It is such a shame that human nature precludes them from listening carefully and learning. I wish I would have listened more.
BTW – Did you ever read of the description of our Lord and Savior in the book of Revelation? He is our ultimate source for wisdom, so read His word the Holy Bible often and learn from the One who is most righteous.
Rev. 1:14
The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,