The older you get, the more wisdom you have. I wonder why this is, but I suspect it’s because wisdom grows with maturity. 

You can tell from a mile away when a couple is arguing, because you have argued furiously a few times. 

During the first few words of a conversation with a businessman, you notice his eyes fill with tears from the stress and the cash flow that doesn’t want to flow. I know, because I’ve stood in a dry financial river many times. 

When someone sits here on the virtual couch and doesn’t get a single word out, I can quickly do the sums and see in which hole the person is sitting, because I’ve fallen into the same hole several times and didn’t know how to get out. 

It’s a shame when we’re younger that we don’t spend more time sitting down with older people to ask for advice. For some reason we think we can do better, only to realise some way down the street that it wasn’t such a good decision. 

I think it’s because of the marks and big scars on my body that these days, I tend to listen more to other people’s advice. When I hear some older people standing around the fire talking, I go closer and prick my ears. 

Peter does exactly that and advises the younger people. He helps them to get their way of acting in line with God’s will for them. 

5And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people. 

Interestingly, he starts with the ears that must listen. I struggle with that one myself, because most of the time my mouth is first out of the blocks and my ears cross the finish line last, and the consequences of that are not so nice. 

As the saying goes, you have two ears and one mouth with one tongue in it. That’s why you have to be twice as slow to speak and must listen first. Doing this will result in a lot fewer arguments. 

Yes, and don’t think too much of yourself. How many times have I seen conceited people who are too big for their boots, and when the wheels of life come off, they end up diving headfirst into the dust? 

Be modest. Work hard. Unearth your gifts and live your calling. Look for places where you can help others and make a difference wherever you are in life. That’s where true joy is lived, heard and experienced. 

Feel free to listen to the people who’ve walked all the way. Learn from their mistakes so you don’t repeat them. Remember to listen more and do more and in the process give all the glory to God.  

Scripture
1 Peter 5:4-7 

Reflection
Do you listen to older people?
Are you teachable?
Do you have to listen before you do? 

Prayer
Father, I know sometimes I get out of the blocks too fast. Help me to listen first and then do, so I can make a difference in the world. Amen.