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Daily Devotions

The Wisdom of Older Saints

By April 18, 2015No Comments

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him. 1 Kings 12:6-8 KJV

Rehoboam became king upon the death of his father, Solomon. He committed an error that is still repeated today. He forsook the sound and wise advice of his older counselors. This is why the mistakes of the past continue to be repeated. We fail to see the wisdom of history and of older men and women. Rehoboam chose to listen to the advice of his childhood friends. Their advice proved to be out of balance and shortsighted. They lacked the broader perspective of time and experience. We would do well to find an older man or woman of God who has lived and served Him faithfully and spend time with them. There is much that we could learn and avoid through their conversation and friendship.

Lord, help me learn the lessons of history and not forsake the advice of those older than myself. Help me also to be careful with the advice that I give. I want my thoughts and words to be tempered by You.