Faithful Living: He was wise beyond his years
Who in your world exemplifies the above title? Have you ever met someone who, when they begin opening their mouth, speaks in such a way that breathes wisdom into whatever situation or encounter they are presented with at the time?
They can poignantly utter words that comfort, exhort, praise, admonish or any other verb that comes to your mind. It’s almost as if they can see the beginning and the end and everything in between. They may also be silent when necessary, and their silence can signify a strong presence of encouragement by just being in your midst.
Where do these people get this uncanny sense to be of help when you need them most?
My parents come to mind when I think of their collective wisdom. Why? Just because they experienced life longer than me. Their perspectives were welcomed on numerous occasions whether the outcome was pleasant or not.
On the flip side, wisdom can be shared and experienced by those who might eclipse us in age.
How many times have you come across a young child that has been able to speak lovingly, innocently and directly about something without the color of stereotypes, biases and prejudices … only to astound everyone within the sound of their voice. It is absolutely stunning how these little ones can hit the nail on the head with simple words. Out of the mouths of babes … the saying goes.
Another example comes from the Old Testament where Elihu "the encourager" speaks to his elder friend Job and his compadres. Out of respect to the elder men, he listens patiently hoping to hear something of value. “Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.” Job 32:4 ESV. This young fellow, the Bible says, burned with anger. He didn’t like that Job justified himself rather than God. And, he was upset with the way his friends treated Job.
Because of Elihu’s youthful age, he was afraid and timid to address these older men but he mustered the strength to share his thoughts. Elihu declared, “But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.” Job 32: 8-9 ESV.
Elihu truthfully replies a little later, “I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.” Job 32: 20-22, ESV.
Read now selected verses of Job Chapter 33 as this young man delivers his discourse rebuking these gentlemen:
"My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. …
"Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was pinched off from a piece of clay. Behold, no fear of me need terrify you; my presence will not be heavy upon you. …
"You say, ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy, he puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.’
"Behold, in this you are not right, I will answer you, for God is greater than man. Why do you contend against him, saying, ‘He will answer none of man’s words’? For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men, and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.
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"Man is rebuked with pain on his bed and with continual strife in his bones, so that his life loathes bread, and his appetite the choicest food. His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen, and his bones that were not seen stick out.
"His soul draws near the pit, and his life to those who bring death. If there be for him and angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him, and he is merciful to him and says, ‘Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor’; then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness.
"He sings before men and says: ‘I sinned and perverted what was right, and it was not repaid to me. He has redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’
“Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life. Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Whether young or old, our Creator God can use anyone at any time, regardless of age, to reflect the wisdom of His goodness, love and graciousness to the world around us.
— Joe Wagley is a Realtor and broker in Lenawee County. He is the owner of The Wagley Group Real Estate Advisors in Adrian and Manitou Beach. He can be reached at 517-265-6000 or at Joe@TheWagleyGroup.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Joe Wagley: He was wise beyond his years
